As the most common form of cancer among children, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for almost 1 out of 3 cancers. The disease progresses fairly quickly and would be fatal within several months if left untreated. ALL is the most common form of cancer among children. Appropriate treatment is essential for better prognosis. Compared to children, adults with ALL tend to have worse outcomes. An enzyme called L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) is used in the treatment of ALL. It reduces tissue stores of asparagine, an amino acid that is critical for the growth of many cancers. Generally, we utilize L-ASNase from Escherichia coli or Erwinia chrysanthemi. But one problem is that bacterial enzymes can elicit immune responses and therefore causing unwanted side effects. Now researchers found that L-ASNase found in baker's yeast has the ability to kill ALL cells. The study, directed by Gisele Monteiro from University of Sao Paulo, may lead to novel treatments for ALL. In this study, the researchers looked at Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is a species of yeast that also has ScASNase1 but little is known about it. They found that this protein is effective in destroying leukemia cells without seriously affecting healthy cells. L-ASNase has long been used as an antineoplastic agent. In addition to ALL, it is also used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Currently, L-ASNase used in the clinical medication is from bacteria, but can cause many side effects. So scientists want to find alternative sources of L-ASNase. The findings, published online in Scientific Reports, could help elucidate the properties of L-ASNase. CusAb offers asparaginase and Recombinant Aoc3.