Methods for detecting, selecting and cloning agents that degrade or promote degradation of DNA

摘要

A method is described for detecting, selecting, and cloning agents that degrade DNA or promote DNA degradation. The method utilizes extra-chromosomal replicons whose replication is dependent on degradation of a host cell's DNA to screen for agents leading to degradation of cellular DNA. An agent which promotes degradation of a host cell's DNA enables the replicons to replicate, which signals the presence of agents that promote the cellular DNA degradation and allows for the isolation and amplification of such agents.