Serum endocuclease secreted into body fluids by a wide variety of exocrine and endocrine organs (PubMed:29191910). Expressed by non-hematopoietic tissues and preferentially cleaves protein-free DNA. Among other functions, seems to be involved in cell death by apoptosis. Binds specifically to G-actin and blocks actin polymerization (By similarity). Together with DNASE1L3, plays a key role in degrading neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) (PubMed:29191910). NETs are mainly composed of DNA fibers and are released by neutrophils to bind pathogens during inflammation (PubMed:29191910). Degradation of intravascular NETs by DNASE1 and DNASE1L3 is required to prevent formation of clots that obstruct blood vessels and cause organ damage following inflammation (PubMed:29191910). Endonucleolytic cleavage to 5'-phosphodinucleotide and 5'-phosphooligonucleotide end-products. Divalent metal cations. Prefers Ca(2+) or Mg(2+). Secretory protein, stored in zymogen granules and found in the nuclear envelope. Highly expressed in the parotid and submandibular gland as well as in the kidney and duodenum (at protein level) (PubMed:15015938). Expressed at intermediate level in the ileum, mesenterial lymph nodes, liver, ventral prostate, epididymis, ovary and stomach (at protein level) (PubMed:15015938). Expressed at low level in the sublingual, preputial, coagulation and pituitary gland (at protein level) (PubMed:15015938). Also present in the lachrymal and thyroid glands, striated muscle, intestine, the urinary bladder and the eye (PubMed:7857306, PubMed:9192086, PubMed:15015938). N-glycosylated. Mice develop symptoms of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus, characterized by high titers of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA) directed against nucleosomes and double-stranded DNA, the deposition of immune complexes in glomeruli and full-blown glomerulonephritis (PubMed:10835632). Mice lacking both Dnase1 and Dnase1l3 show vascular occlusions following bacterial infection: defects are caused by the formation of intravascular neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) clots that obstruct blood vessels and cause organ damage (PubMed:29191910). Belongs to the DNase I family.