Asparaginase from Escherichia coli

Asparaginase is a bacterial enzyme and also a chemotherapeutic drug.

Asparaginase from Escherichia coli has been used:

• to compare the cytotoxic effect of L-asparaginase purified from Streptomyces brollosae NEAE-115
• as a standard in asparaginase assay to quantify asparaginase activities in various eel tissues
• to elicit amino acid deprivation

Asparaginase (ASNase) products are usually obtained from Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi. These enzymes can block the synthesis of protein in tumor cells. It shows high activity in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. It is capable of causing pancreatitis in leukemia patients.

Asparaginase is used in enzymatic assays and to convert asparagine to aspartic acid. Asparaginase is used to reduce the formation of acrylamide in starchy food products. It is also used as a chemotherapy agent for acute lymphoblastic leukemia . Product A3809 is from Escherichia coli and is provided as a lyophilized powder containing sodium chloride.

Asparaginase may cause cell death in leukemic cells by converting the necessary L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia . Asparaginase is allosterically regulated and is crucial for proper cell functioning .

Lyophilized powder containing sodium chloride

Chromatographically purified

Protein determined by biuret.

One unit will liberate 1.0 μmole of ammonia from L-asparagine per min at pH 8.6 at 37 °C.