Deoxyribonuclease-1-like 1 (DNASE1L1)

Deoxyribonuclease-1-like 1 (DNASE1L1), also called DNaseX, is an intracellular enzyme encoded on the human X chromosome[1][2][6]. It is a member of the deoxyribonuclease family and closely resembles lysosomal DNase I in sequence and function. DNASE1L1 cleaves double-stranded DNA, producing 300 base pair fragments as a final step in apoptosis (programmed cell death)[1]. This restricts cell proliferation and prevents transformation into tumor cells. Downregulation or inactivation of DNASE1L1 impairs apoptosis, correlating with cancer progression[1]. Tumor cells often overproduce DNASE1L1 in an attempt to trigger apoptosis, and because its activity can be inhibited in tumor cells, accumulation serves as a diagnostic biomarker (notably as the Apo10 epitope detected with monoclonal antibodies)[1]. Diseases associated with DNASE1L1 include certain cancers, immunological disorders, and infections such as Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis[2]. Its expression has diagnostic utility; detection of DNASE1L1/Apo10 is used in early cancer screening. DNASE1L1 is not currently a direct target of approved drugs, but it represents a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target in cancer and immune system disorders[1][2][6].

Other names

DNaseXDNAS1L1DNL1LDNase I-like 1XIBDNASEXMuscle-specific DNase I-likeG4.8

Not directly described for drugs, but enzymatic cleavage of double-stranded DNA during apoptosis is the core mechanism[1][2][6].