Uracil-DNA nuclease: protein enzyme possessing nuclease activity specific for uracil containing nucleic acid, process for its preparation and methods of use

摘要

A uracil-specific endonuclease enzyme is discovered in specific developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster. The protein responsible for this enzymatic activity has been isolated, cloned, sequenced, and expressed to practical homogeneity. Sequence homologues have been identified from four additonal organisms. The activity of this enzyme is strictly specific for uracil-containing DNA and persists in the presence of 1 mM concentration of divalent metal ion chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The unique specificity and the observed metal-ion independent characteristics of this enzymatic activity allow its use for specific degradation of uracil-DNA in a simple enzymatic process while normal DNA is uncleaved by the enzyme. Claims of the present invention concern the enzyme, its homologues, its production, as well as its use for specific degradation of uracil-DNA in any application it might occur, all based on the discovery of the novel uracil-specific nuclease enzyme.