Trypanosoma brucei AP endonuclease 1 has a major role in the repair of abasic sites and protection against DNA-damaging agents

► TBAPE1 is the main abasic site endonuclease in Trypanosoma brucei. ► TBAPE1 localizes in the cell nucleus of bloodstream and procyclic forms. ► Bloodstream TBAPE1-null mutants are viable but accumulate abasic DNA damage. ► Depletion of TBAPE1 renders cells sensitive to abasic and strand break-inducing drugs.