DNA polymer network in sputum

The "DNA polymer network in sputum" refers to a mesh-like extracellular structure composed of DNA and copolymerized actin released primarily from necrotic neutrophils and epithelial cells, especially in diseases such as cystic fibrosis. This network forms alongside secreted mucins, increasing the viscosity and elasticity of airway secretions and hindering their clearance by cilia or airflow. Such networks play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory airway diseases, where they act as a barrier to airway clearance and potentiate infection and inflammation. Enzymatic therapies that target DNA (such as dornase alfa) or actin (such as gelsolin or thymosin beta 4) can disrupt this network, reduce sputum viscosity, and enhance airway clearance. However, the term does not refer to a single molecular target but rather to a dynamic, extracellular, disease-associated polymeric matrix.

Other names

extracellular DNA-actin network in sputumDNA-actin copolymer networkDNA mesh in sputum

Dornase alfa: enzymatic cleavage/depolymerization of extracellular DNA, reduces sputum viscosity and elasticity\nGelsolin/Thymosin beta 4: depolymerization of filamentous actin, disrupts polymer network structure