Asparaginase Health Dictionary

Asparaginase is an ENZYME that breaks down the amino acid (see AMINO ACIDS), asparagine. This is of no signi?cance to most cells in the body as they can make asparagine from simpler constituents. Certain tumours, however, are unable to do this; therefore, if they cannot receive ready-made supplies of the amino acid, they die. This property is utilised to treat acute lymphoblastic LEUKAEMIA.

n. an enzyme that inhibits the growth of certain tumours. Crisantaspase, the form produced by the bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi, is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.