Exploration of the potential L-asparaginase producing bacteria from the soil of Gwalior (India)

Enzyme L-asparaginase (L-asparagines amidohydrolase EC 3.5.1.1) has the physiological function of hydrolyzing amide group of the side chain in Lasparagine to produce L-aspartate and ammonia. This spectacular property of the enzyme is utilized in chemotherapeutic treatment of certain kinds of lymphoblastic malignancies, mainly in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and lympho-sarcoma for nearly 40 years (Lee et al., 1989; Verma et al., 2007). In 1963 it was revealed that antineoplastic activity of guinea pig sera was due to the presence of L-Asparaginase (Broome, et al., 1963). Broome's statement was confirmed by partially purifying LAsparaginase from the sera of guinea pig (Yellin et al., 1966). L-Asparaginase activity was also identified from E.coli cells as it was demonstrated that E.coli steadily produces L-Asparaginase under anaerobic conditions (Cedar et al., 1968, Mashburn et al., 1964). Presence of LISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 5 (2014) pp. 665-672 http://www.ijcmas.com