Characteristics and application of S1-P1 nucleases in biotechnology and medicine

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.