Are there differences in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA digestion by DNases? I want to test if enzymes can digest mtDNA. If they do, then is it with similar propensity to nuclear or there may be preferences considering protein-DNA complexes vs naked DNA?
A number of proteins are shown to bind the mitochondrial DNA. Therefore, like chromatin in the nucleus, mitochondrial DNA in its native form is likely to be protected to certain extent during an incubation with a DNase in vitro. However, the extent of protection would depend on the incubation conditions such as salt concentration and the presence of Mg ions.
I was thinking in vivo, in cytoplasm released mtdna is now reported to be a signaling moity and may cause inflammation. In that scenario, would dnases act. If at all mtdna was unprotected, would dnase act on it?
The short answer is Yes. The cytoplasmic DNA, irrespective of its origin is targeted by DNase. Mice deficient in DNase have a phenotype consistent with cytosolic detection of DNA.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Enzymes