Den1, den2 and den3, ATP-inhibited deoxyribonucleases from Dropsophila embryonic nuclei

Deoxyribonuclease inhibitors

Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) are a class of enzymes able to catalyze DNA hydrolysis. DNases play important roles in cell function, while DNase inhibitors control or modify their activities. This review focuses on DNase inhibitors. Some DNase inhibitors have been isolated from various natural sources, such as humans, animals (beef, calf, rabbit and rat), plants (Nicotiana tabacum), and microorganisms (some Streptomyces and Adenovirus species, Micromonospora echinospora and Escherichia coli), while others have been obtained by chemical synthesis. They differ in chemical structure (various proteins, nucleotides, anthracycline and aminoglycoside antibiotics, synthetic organic and inorganic compounds) and mechanism of action (forming complexes with DNases or DNA). Some of the inhibitors are specific toward only one type of DNase, while others are active towards two or more. Physico-chemical properties of DNase inhibitors are calculated using the Molinspiration tool and most of them meet all criteria for good solubility and permeability. DNase inhibitors may be used as pharmaceuticals for preventing, monitoring and treating various diseases.