Objective  The aim of our work is to observe the expression of CHOP protein, asparagine synthetase (ASNS), Bax, and Bcl2 genes at the mRNA level, and to explore the potential mechanism involved in MOLT-4 cell apoptosis.

  Methods  Amino acid deprivation is induced by transferring the cells to a culture medium containing L-Asparaginase (L-Asp). A total of 1 IU/mL of L-Asp was added to the culture medium at different time intervals. Cell samples were then collected, and RNA was extracted. Relative quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed, and the expression of SYBR Green I was detected.

  Results  Two peaks were observed at 8 h and 18 h after L-Asp administration. At 18 h after L-Asp administration, CHOP mRNA remained at a high level, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio increased significantly, whereas ASNS mRNA decreased gradually. The percentage of viable cells decreased markedly after 24 h of medication. The absolute number of viable cells slowly increased until 12 h after administration, and then gradually decreased, with most significant decrease after 24 h of medication.

  Conclusion  The potential mechanisms underlying L-Asp-induced MOLT-4 cell apoptosis may involve the activation of the mitochondrial pathway through CHOP, thus upregulating Bax/Bcl2. This mechanism may induce cell death by inhibiting the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene ASNS.