American Society of Hirudotherapy

Fenestrin-1

RGD-motif platelet aggregation inhibitor from the African medicinal leech Asiaticobdella fenestrata — N-terminal RGD distinguishes it from decorsin / ornatin paralogs.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Fenestrin-1 compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaFenestrin-15 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Fenestrin-1 (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
RGD-motif platelet aggregation inhibitor from the African medicinal leech Asiaticobdella fenestrata — N-terminal RGD distinguishes it from decorsin / ornatin paralogs.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Fenestrin-1's in vitro RGD-mediated platelet aggregation inhibition does NOT establish clinical efficacy of any whole-leech therapy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; species-specific characterization in a non-Hirudo leech does not extend to medicinal leech therapy.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antiplatelet
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
5,000 Da
Source species
Asiaticobdella fenestrata
Discovered
2025 · Schulz L et al.
Fenestrin-1 molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • platelet integrin αIIbβ3 (via N-terminal RGD motif)

Key Citations

  1. Schulz L et al. (2025), Parasitol Res · PMID 41198932

External Resources

    Related Antiplatelet Compounds

    This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.