American Society of Hirudotherapy

HmDestabilase

Hirudinaria manillensis destabilase / i-type lysozyme (Gao 2025) — isopeptidase + lysozyme activity, salivary-gland-upregulated on blood feeding.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of HmDestabilase 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 kDaHmDestabilase16 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of HmDestabilase (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
Hirudinaria manillensis destabilase / i-type lysozyme (Gao 2025) — isopeptidase + lysozyme activity, salivary-gland-upregulated on blood feeding.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

HmDestabilase's in vitro isopeptidase / lysozyme activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; H. manillensis is not the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech species.

Molecular Profile

Category
Fibrinolytic
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
16,000 Da
Source species
Hirudinaria manillensis
Discovered
2025 · Gao T et al.
HmDestabilase molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • isopeptide bonds in fibrin
  • bacterial peptidoglycan (lysozyme activity)

Key Citations

  1. Gao T et al. (2025), Protein Expr Purif · PMID 40107525

External Resources

    Related Fibrinolytic 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.