3'-nucleases/nucleotidases of the S1-P1 family (EC 3.1.30.1) are single-strand-specific or non-specific zinc-dependent phosphoesterases present in plants, fungi, protozoan parasites, and in some bacteria. They participate in a wide variety of biological processes and their current biotechnological applications rely on their single-strand preference, nucleotide non-specificity, a broad range of catalytic conditions and high stability. We summarize the present and potential utilization of these enzymes in biotechnology and medicine in the context of their biochemical and structure-function properties. Explanation of unanswered questions for bacterial and trypanosomatid representatives could facilitate development of emerging applications in medicine.

• MeSH
• Biotechnology methods   MeSH
• Molecular Targeted Therapy methods   MeSH
• Single-Strand Specific DNA and RNA Endonucleases chemistry   genetics   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Fungal Proteins chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Host-Pathogen Interactions MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• DNA Mutational Analysis methods   MeSH
• Nucleotidases metabolism   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology   MeSH
• Substrate Specificity MeSH
• Structure-Activity Relationship MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH