Isolation and identification of L-asparaginase producing actinomycetes from Persian Gulf

Introduction: L-asparaginase is an anti-neoblastic agent used in the chemotherapy of lymphoblastic leukemia. This enzyme is widely distributed among microorganisms, plants and animals, but microorganisms have proved to be a better alternative for L-asparaginase, thus facilitating its large-scale production. Actinomycetes are filamentous, Gram-positive bacteria widely distributed in the marine environment. Secondary metabolites of actinomycetes are important products, especially in food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of L-asparaginase producing actinomycetes isolated from Persian Gulf. Methods: In this study, 60 samples were collected from Persian Gulf in Hormozgan, Iran. Starch Casien Agar medium were used for isolation and purification of actinomycetes. All colonieses were screened for L-asparaginase activity with modified M9 medium. L-asparaginase activity was measured by colorimertic method. Based on the enzyme activity, the strain with high L-asparaginase activity were selected and identified by nucleotide sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Results: Thirty-two colonies of actinomycetes were obtained from sediment and seawater samples, among which 23 isolates were L-asparaginase producers. The strain PG08 with 37×10-2 IU activity showed the highest activity. Based on the analysis 16S rRNA gen sequences of this strain was showed maximum similarity to Streptomyces spp.OS1-33. Conclusion: Actinomycetes isolated from Persian Gulf may be potential source of enzyme L-asparaginase, Streptomyces spp.PG08 with high productivity L-asparaginase can used for chemotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia