Endonuclease enzyme that hydrolyzes DNA; produced by the mammalian pancreas. Variably glycosylated, single polypeptide chain with two disulfide bridges; multiple isoforms exist. The human form consists of 260 amino acid residues; mol wt ≈37 kDa. Prepn from beef pancreas: M. Kunitz, Science 108, 19 (1948); Baumgarten, Johnson, US 2801956; eidem, US 3042587 (1957, 1962 both to Merck & Co.). Properties of purified DNase I: Price et al., J. Biol. Chem. 244, 917 (1969). Reviews of purification and characterization: M. Laskowski in The Enzymes vol. 4, P. D. Boyer, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 3rd ed., 1971) pp 289-311; S. Moore, ibid. vol. 14 281-296 (1981); T.-H. Liao, Mol. Cell. Biochem. 34, 15-22 (1981).
Human DNase I produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells by recombinant DNA technology. Cloning and expression of human form and effect on sputum viscosity: S. Shak et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 9188 (1990); S. Shak, WO 9007572 (1990 to Genentech). HPLC purification: J. Cacia et al., J. Chromatogr. 634, 229 (1993). Clinical study in cystic fibrosis: H. J. Fuchs et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 331, 637 (1994). Expert report on pharmacology and toxicology: J. D. Green, Hum. Exp. Toxicol. 13, Suppl. 1, S1-S42 (1994).
Debriding agent. In treatment of cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary disease to reduce viscosity of sputum.
Debriding Agent