Asparaginase

Asparaginase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of asparagine to aspartate and ammonia, depleting asparagine levels and inhibiting cell growth, it is commonly used as an anticancer chemotherapeutic and anti-angiogenic compound in the treatment of leukemia. Asparaginase inhibits proliferation of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells, inducing apoptosis mediated by apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). Asparaginase decreases 1 integrin binding and phosphorylation of FAK, inducing autophagy, this decreases microvascular endothelial cell tube formation and inhibits invasion of ovarian cancer cells. In clinical settings, asparaginase may induce thrombotic effect, as administration often results in depletion of anti-thrombin, and it may also increase serum triglycerides.