[Isolation and analysis of Ca/Mg-dependent endonuclease from cell nuclei of human splenocytes]

A scheme for the isolation of Ca,Mg-dependent endonuclease from human spleen lymphocyte nuclei has been developed. The isolation procedure resulted in protein preparations (Mr = 57 kD) possessing an enzymatic activity and stable upon storage for over a period of one year. The enzyme is an endonuclease which predominantly cleaves double-stranded DNA by a mixed single- and double-hit mechanism with the formation of 5'-phosphate and 3'-OH terminal groups. Its maximal activation is induced by Ca2+ plus Mg2+. The enzyme is also active in the presence of Mn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ and is inhibited by Co2+. NaCl and KCl (0.15-0.2 M) and p-chloromercuribenzoate (1 mM) also inhibit the enzyme. ATP has no activating effect.