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Circulating DNA and DNase activity in human blood
Svetlana N Tamkovich1, Anna V Cherepanova, Elena V Kolesnikova
1Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|November 17, 2006
Summary
In cancer patients, decreased deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity in blood plasma leads to higher circulating DNA (cirDNA) concentrations. This finding suggests DNase levels could be a biomarker for detecting colon and stomach cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Circulating DNA (cirDNA) levels are altered in various diseases.
- Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity plays a role in DNA clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cirDNA concentration and DNase activity in cancer patients.
- To explore the potential of these markers in cancer diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Quantified cirDNA using Hoechst 33258 fluorescent assay.
- Assessed DNase activity via immunochemical detection of a PCR-generated substrate.
- Analyzed plasma from healthy donors and patients with colon or stomach cancer.
Main Results:
- Healthy donors exhibited low cirDNA (34 ng/mL) with high DNase activity (0.356 U/mL).
- Cancer patients showed elevated cirDNA concentrations.
- Cancer patients displayed significantly reduced DNase activity, often below assay detection limits.
Conclusions:
- Decreased DNase activity in blood plasma is associated with increased cirDNA levels in cancer patients.
- This inverse correlation suggests a potential role for DNase activity in regulating cirDNA concentration.
- Further research into DNase activity as a cancer biomarker is warranted.
