L-asparagine (Asn) (Asn)

L-asparagine is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a fundamental building block for protein synthesis and a carrier for nitrogen transport in the body (PubChem CID 6267). While most normal human cells possess the enzyme asparagine synthetase (ASNS) to produce L-asparagine de novo, certain hematologic malignancies, most notably acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lack this enzyme and are strictly dependent on extracellular sources of the amino acid for survival (StatPearls, NBK545212). This metabolic dependency is the basis for the therapeutic use of L-asparaginase, an enzyme that circulates in the plasma and hydrolyzes L-asparagine into L-aspartic acid and ammonia (DrugBank DB00023). By depleting the systemic pool of L-asparagine, the drug selectively starves leukemic cells, leading to the cessation of protein synthesis and the induction of apoptosis (NCI Drug Dictionary). Asparaginase-based therapies, including PEGylated and Erwinia-derived forms, are essential components of pediatric and adult ALL treatment protocols. Clinical management of this target requires monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions and metabolic toxicities such as pancreatitis and liver dysfunction (PubMed PMID: 32533473).

Other names

Asparagine(S)-2-Aminosuccinamic acidL-2-Aminosuccinamic acidAsn

Enzymatic depletion of extracellular L-asparagine by L-asparaginase, which hydrolyzes the amino acid into L-aspartic acid and ammonia, thereby depriving asparagine-dependent tumor cells of a vital nutrient for protein synthesis (DrugBank DB00023).