L-asparaginase
L-asparaginase
L-asparaginase (pronounced el-as-par-uh-ji-neys) is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of asparagine to aspartic acid, depriving the leukemia cells of the asparagine they require for survival and growth.
Etymology
The term "L-asparaginase" is derived from the amino acid L-asparagine, which the enzyme acts upon, and the suffix "-ase", which is used in biochemistry to denote enzymes.
Usage
L-asparaginase is primarily used in the treatment of ALL, a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. It is often used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents as part of a multi-drug regimen. The drug works by breaking down asparagine, an amino acid that is essential for the growth and survival of leukemia cells. By depleting the supply of asparagine, L-asparaginase starves the leukemia cells and prevents them from proliferating.
Related Terms
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer.
- Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
- Asparagine: An amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- Aspartic acid: An amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on L-asparaginase
- Wikipedia's article - L-asparaginase
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