American Society of Hirudotherapy

Cell-free synthesis of the hirudin variant 1 of the blood-sucking leech Hirudo medicinalis

Research article published in Scientific reports (2020)

Last Updated: March 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Drug DevelopmentGenomics & ProteomicsClinical TrialsWüstenhagen D et al. · Scientific reports, 2020

Abstract

Synthesis and purification of peptide drugs for medical applications is a challenging task. The leech-derived factor hirudin is in clinical use as an alternative to heparin in anticoagulatory therapies. So far, recombinant hirudin is mainly produced in bacterial or yeast expression systems. We describe the successful development and application of an alternative protocol for the synthesis of active hirudin based on a cell-free protein synthesis approach. Three different cell lysates were compared, and the effects of two different signal peptide sequences on the synthesis of mature hirudin were determined. The combination of K562 cell lysates and the endogenous wild-type signal peptide sequence was most effective. Cell-free synthesized hirudin showed a considerably higher anti-thrombin activity compared to recombinant hirudin produced in bacterial cells.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAntithrombinsCell-Free SystemHirudinsHirudo medicinalisHumansK562 CellsRecombinant Proteins

Summary

Synthesis and purification of peptide drugs for medical applications is a challenging task. The leech-derived factor hirudin is in clinical use as an alternative to heparin in anticoagulatory therapies.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

Relevant to the development and clinical application of leech-derived pharmaceutical compounds.

Citation

Cell-free synthesis of the hirudin variant 1 of the blood-sucking leech Hirudo medicinalis.

Wüstenhagen D et al. · Scientific reports, 2020

DOI

Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: March 18, 2026

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Cell-free synthesis of the hirudin variant 1 of the blood-sucking leech Hirudo medicinalis | ASH