Necessity for further exploration of both endogenous and exogenous DNases

Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) are essential enzymes involved in DNA metabolism, playing critical roles in replication, repair, recombination, and the degradation of apoptotic DNA. They are primarily classified into two families: DNase I and DNase II, each exhibiting distinct catalytic properties and tissue-specific functions. Dysregulated DNase activity is implicated in various diseases. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biochemical properties, gene structures, tissue distributions, and clinical significance of DNases. It explores their roles in disease mechanisms, the impact of genetic polymorphisms on enzyme activity, and their potential as biomarkers for early disease detection. While considerable progress has been made in elucidating the physiological functions of endogenous DNases, increasing attention is being directed toward the therapeutic applications of exogenous DNases. Beyond their established role in cystic fibrosis treatment, DNases show promise in addressing conditions such as cancer, acute kidney injury, sepsis, traumatic brain injury, and diabetic wound healing by modulating inflammation and clearing extracellular DNA. By providing a comprehensive overview of DNase families, this review highlights their functional diversity and clinical relevance, paving the way for future research, therapeutic advancements, and novel approaches to disease management. Therefore, this article contributes valuable insights not only to the field of legal medicine but also to broader areas of basic and clinical medical sciences.