Removal of nucleic acids from cell lysates

In protein studies DNA often poses a problem as it creates viscosity in the sample and interferes with downstream protein analysis. To limit protein-DNA interactions, the ionic strength may be raised by the addition of salts. However, even at moderately high salt concentration most nucleases become inactive, making enzymatic removal of DNA problematic. SAN is a unspecific nuclease active at high salt, making it convenient in removal of DNA from cell-lysates and protein preparations.

Removal of DNA from cell lysates

We have tested SAN for use in removal of DNA from E. coli cell lysates. 1 μg of SAN efficiently removes 7.5 μg of DNA from 0.1 ml of cell lysate.

The nuclease is active at high salt concentrations and at low temperatures making it ideal also for removal of DNA from protein samples and to reduce viscosity of other biological samples.