American Society of Hirudotherapy

Draft genome sequences of Hirudo medicinalis and salivary transcriptome of three closely related medicinal leeches

Genome and transcriptome paper published in BMC Genomics (2020)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Genomics & ProteomicsSalivary PharmacologyBabenko VV et al. · BMC Genomics, 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Salivary cell secretion (SCS) plays a critical role in blood feeding by medicinal leeches, making them of use for certain medical purposes even today. RESULTS: We annotated the Hirudo medicinalis genome and performed RNA-seq on salivary cells isolated from three closely related leech species, H. medicinalis, Hirudo orientalis, and Hirudo verbana. Differential expression analysis verified by proteomics identified salivary cell-specific gene expression, many of which encode previously unknown salivary components. However, the genes encoding known anticoagulants have been found to be expressed not only in salivary cells. The function-related analysis of the unique salivary cell genes enabled an update of the concept of interactions between salivary proteins and components of haemostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report a genome draft of Hirudo medicinalis and describe identification of novel salivary proteins and new homologs of genes encoding known anticoagulants in transcriptomes of three medicinal leech species. Our data provide new insights in genetics of blood-feeding lifestyle in leeches.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAnticoagulantsGene Expression ProfilingGene Expression RegulationGenomeHirudo medicinalisLeechesProteomicsSalivaSalivary Proteins and Peptides

Summary

First draft genome of Hirudo medicinalis with comparative salivary cell RNA-seq across H. medicinalis, H. orientalis, and H. verbana; differential expression analysis revealed many previously unknown salivary proteins and new homologs of anticoagulants expressed beyond salivary cells.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study annotated a draft genome of Hirudo medicinalis and performed RNA-seq on salivary cells from H. medicinalis, H. orientalis, and H. verbana, validated by proteomics, identifying salivary cell-specific genes including novel secreted proteins and new homologs of known anticoagulant genes. Notably, genes encoding known anticoagulants were also expressed outside salivary cells, and the authors updated the model of salivary protein–haemostasis interactions. For ASH, this is highly relevant as it expands the genetic catalogue of leech-derived bioactive secreted proteins that underpin the therapeutic basis of hirudotherapy. Honest caveat: the work is genomic/transcriptomic and discovery-oriented; no functional bioassays or clinical data are included, and therapeutic implications are inferential.

Citation

Draft genome sequences of Hirudo medicinalis and salivary transcriptome of three closely related medicinal leeches.

Babenko VV et al. · BMC Genomics, 2020

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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.