Ghofran Mohammed Al-Harbi

Ms. Ghofran Mohammed Al-Harbi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 April 2025 in Marine Drugs
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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GAGhofran Mohammed Al-Harbi
Ghofran Mohammed Al-Harbi
EKEssam Kotb
Essam Kotb
AAAbeer A. Almiman
Abeer A. Almiman
MBMahmoud Mohamed Berekaa
Mahmoud Mohamed Berekaa
SASalwa Alhamad
Salwa Alhamad
EAEbtesam Abdullah Al-Suhaimi
Ebtesam Abdullah Al-Suhaimi
L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) functions as a chemotherapeutic enzyme with antitumor properties. It facilitates the degradation of L-asparagine (L-ASN), a vital amino acid required for the proliferation of tumor cells. In this study, we have isolated 177 L-ASNase-producing strains from the aquatic environment of the Arabian–Persian Gulf. The most potent isolate, ASP-J1-4, was an endophyte recovered from the seablite Suaeda maritima and was molecularly identified as B. xiamenensis (accession number PQ593941). The enzyme purified through DEAE-Sepharose displayed a molecular weight of 37 kDa based on the SDS-PAGE profile and lacked detectable L-glutaminase (L-GTNase) activity. Optimal enzyme activity was at 40 °C and pH 9.0, with stability at pH 7–9. The maximum stimulation effect was found in the presence of Fe3+, Mn2+, and Na+ ions, respectively. The enzyme demonstrated a Vmax of 35.71 U/mL and a Km of 0.15 mM. Interestingly, ASP-J1-4 L-ASNase showed a dose-dependent inhibition against human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) and cervical Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cell lines, with IC50 values of 15.42 µg/mL and 12.13 µg/mL, respectively. These findings collectively suggest a biocompatible, efficient, and robust enzyme for potential applications in tumor therapy after validation of in vivo studies and clinical trials. This study introduces the first deep screening program for L-ASNase-producing bacteria harboring in the Arabian–Persian Gulf region. In addition, it launches B. xiamenensis and other species as new sources of L-ASNase.