American Society of Hirudotherapy

WpDestabilase

Whitmania pigra destabilase ortholog (Huang 2026) — isopeptidase + clot-destabilizing activity; C-terminal IPATETTTEI deletion enhances isopeptidase activity.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of WpDestabilase 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 kDaWpDestabilase16.3 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of WpDestabilase (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
Whitmania pigra destabilase ortholog (Huang 2026) — isopeptidase + clot-destabilizing activity; C-terminal IPATETTTEI deletion enhances isopeptidase activity.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

WpDestabilase's in vitro clot-destabilizing activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; W. pigra is a non-hematophagous TCM leech, not the FDA-cleared K040187 species.

Molecular Profile

Category
Fibrinolytic
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
16,300 Da
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2026 · Huang B et al.
WpDestabilase molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • isopeptide ε-(γ-Glu)-Lys bonds in cross-linked fibrin

Key Citations

  1. Huang B et al. (2026), Protein Expr Purif · PMID 42092413

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.