Extracellular polymeric DNA (eDNA) (eDNA)

Extracellular polymeric DNA (eDNA) is a significant structural component of the thick, viscous mucus found in the airways of patients with chronic inflammatory lung diseases, most notably cystic fibrosis (CF) [PMID: 15107494]. This DNA is primarily derived from the nuclei of infiltrating neutrophils that undergo cell death or release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in response to chronic infection [PMID: 14963334]. The presence of long, polymerized DNA strands creates a dense physical matrix that increases mucus viscosity, traps pathogens, and severely impairs the mucociliary escalator's ability to clear the lungs [PMID: 19414863]. Therapeutic intervention typically involves the use of inhaled recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (Dornase alfa), which enzymatically cleaves the DNA polymers into smaller fragments [FDA Pulmozyme Label]. This process liquefies the sputum, making it easier for patients to expectorate and reducing the frequency of respiratory infections and lung function decline [PMID: 7505954]. Beyond CF, eDNA is also implicated in the pathophysiology of other obstructive lung diseases like COPD and bronchiectasis, where it contributes to airway obstruction and persistent inflammation [PMID: 25634446].

Other names

Extracellular DNANeutrophil extracellular trap DNANET DNAPolymeric DNA

Enzymatic hydrolysis of high-molecular-weight DNA into shorter fragments, thereby reducing the viscoelasticity of purulent airway secretions [FDA Pulmozyme Label].