DNA fragmentation

DNA fragmentation is the process by which DNA strands are cleaved into smaller fragments and serves as a biochemical hallmark of apoptosis (programmed cell death)[3][10]. During apoptosis, specific enzymes such as caspase-activated DNase (CAD) are activated and cleave DNA at internucleosomal regions, resulting in the characteristic DNA laddering pattern[3][10][9]. DNA fragmentation also occurs in other settings, such as oxidative stress, radiation, or laboratory manipulation for research or diagnostic purposes[1][4][7]. In clinical and laboratory contexts, the extent of DNA fragmentation is important for applications such as sperm quality assessment in infertility, detection of apoptosis in tissue sections, or as a component of liquid biopsy methodologies in cancer[5][6][8]. Since DNA fragmentation is a process and not a discrete molecule, it is not itself a therapeutic target, but rather a readout or marker of cell fate and genomic integrity.

Other names

Apoptotic DNA fragmentationDNA strand breakageProgrammed DNA fragmentation

DNA fragmentation primarily occurs through the induction of apoptosis, leading to DNA cleavage often via caspase activation and activation of enzymes like DNases (e.g., DFF40/CAD). The process can also be influenced or prevented by the inhibition of these same enzymes.