Abstract

OVERVIEW ON L-ASPARAGINASE

S. Silpa*, Shiny Bhattacharya and E. Venkatanagaraju

ABSTRACT

L-asparaginase is a potential anti-tumour enzyme that is known for its ability to reduce the amount of L-asparagine necessary for the tumor cells. It has been used against acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphosacoma. This review includes methods for isolation and screening of potential microbes for mass production of enzyme. The clinical use of L-asparaginase has been highlighted. Methods of strain improvement that can increase the efficiency of selected strains have also been described. Further sttempts have been also made to describe the various environmental and nutritional paramaeters affecting the enzyme production. The purification methods and also molecular sequencing of L-asparaginase is also discussed.

Keywords: Microbial asparaginase, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, screening, production, strain improvement, purification.