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.