DNase II Can Efficiently Digest RNA and Needs to Be Redefined as a Nuclease.

ABSTRACT: DNase II, identified in 1947 and named in 1953, is an acidic DNA endonuclease prevalent across organisms and crucial for normal growth. Despite its expression in nearly all human tissues, as well as its biological significance, DNase II's detailed functions and corresponding mechanisms remain unclear. Although many groups are trying to figure this out, progress is very limited. It is very hard to connect its indispensability with its DNA cleavage activity. In this study, we find that DNase II secreted to saliva can digest RNA in mildly acidic conditions, prompting us to hypothesize that salivary DNase II might digest RNA in the stomach. This finding is consistent with the interesting discovery reported in 1964 that RNA could inhibit DNase II's activity, which has been largely overlooked. T

SUBMITTER: Zhuang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11430429 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature