Optimizing the Production of Glutaminase-Free L-Asparaginase by Halotolerant Penicillium sp. Isolated from Halophyte Cogongrass Rhizosphere

Abstract

L-asparaginase is an enzyme included in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Its therapeutic mechanism is the hydrolyzes of L-asparagine, which is an essential amino acid for neoplastic cells while it can be synthesized by normal cells. The problem of L-asparaginase from microbial origin represented in its association with glutaminase activity. The search for new eukaryotic L-asparaginase-producers among microorganisms with low glutaminase affinity is important. This study investigated the biotechnological potential of filamentous fungi isolated from the cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrical ) rhizosphere soil. Fifteen