Human deoxyribonucleases

Although mammalian deoxyribonucleases were discovered more than 60 years ago, interest in these enzymes is not weakening. During the last decade, intensive studies of human DNases culminated in discovery of several novel enzymes exhibiting DNase activity. These include an unusual DNase, lactoferrin....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemistry (Moscow) 2004-06, Vol.69 (6), p.587-601
Main Authors: Baranovskii, A G, Buneva, V N, Nevinsky, G A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibacterial agents
Apoptosis
Deoxyribonuclease I - antagonists & inhibitors
Deoxyribonuclease I - chemistry
Deoxyribonuclease I - genetics
Deoxyribonuclease I - metabolism
Deoxyribonucleases - antagonists & inhibitors
Deoxyribonucleases - chemistry
Deoxyribonucleases - genetics
Deoxyribonucleases - metabolism
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Deoxyribonucleotides
DNA
Humans
Hydrolysis
Viral diseases
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Summary:Although mammalian deoxyribonucleases were discovered more than 60 years ago, interest in these enzymes is not weakening. During the last decade, intensive studies of human DNases culminated in discovery of several novel enzymes exhibiting DNase activity. These include an unusual DNase, lactoferrin. For some enzymes, their three-dimensional structure and molecular mechanisms underlying their functioning have been elucidated. In patients with some autoimmune and viral diseases, catalytic antibodies also contribute to alternative pathways of DNA hydrolysis. Some enzymes exhibiting DNase activity play an important role in pathogenesis of various diseases and also in programmed cell death (apoptosis). This review highlights recent achievement in human deoxyribonuclease research. It also considers mechanisms of DNA hydrolysis. The review also summarizes modern data on the biological role of these enzymes in functioning of the human organism, realization of its protective mechanisms, and possible applications of DNases in medicine.
ISSN:0006-2979
1608-3040
DOI:10.1023/B:BIRY.0000033731.50496.01