l-glutaminase

**L-glutaminase** is an enzyme (amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.2) that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-glutamine to L-glutamate and ammonia. It is studied and applied primarily as an *anticancer agent*, depleting L-glutamine in the extracellular environment, which inhibits the proliferation and survival of cancer cells that rely heavily on glutamine for metabolic functions and growth[3][4]. The enzyme's cytotoxic and anticancer effects have been shown in various cancer cell lines (e.g., leukemia, breast, colorectal, liver cancers), where glutaminase-mediated glutamine deprivation promotes cell death, protein synthesis arrest, and oxidative stress[3][4]. L-glutaminase is sourced from microbes (e.g., Streptomyces, Klebsiella, Halomonas, Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas), and microbial forms are preferred for large-scale production due to cultivation efficiency. L-glutaminase also has industrial relevance as a flavor enhancer, contributing to umami taste[3][4].

Other names

glutamine amidohydrolaseEC 3.5.1.2EC3.5.1.2EC-3.5.1.2L-glutamine amidohydrolase