American Society of Hirudotherapy

Cloning of Guamerin gene in Whitmania pigra and its spatio-temporal expression analysis after ingestion

Basic science / molecular cloning published in Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (2018)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Salivary PharmacologyGenomics & ProteomicsWu MJ et al. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi, 2018

Abstract

The present study cloned wpGuamerin gene from a non-bloodsucking leech (Whitmania pigra), and the bioinformatics analysis of the sequence was performed. Additionally, the effects of feeding duration on the expression profile of the wp Guamerin gene were explored. The results showed that its sequence consisted of 295 nucleotides encoding a peptide of 83 amino acids(Genbank: KX768545), and its relative molecular weight is 9 145.95 Da. wp Guamerin does not encode proteins with a signal peptide, belonging to the hydrophilic protein. Its secondary structure is mainly composed of α-helix, extending chain, folding and random curl. Its similarity with other blood-sucking leeches ranges from 29% to 65%. The results revealed that wpGuamerin mRNA was detected higher expression in muscle than in salivary glands of Wh. pigra, and did not expressed in ingluvies and intestine. Its expression in muscle and salivary glands showed a single peak curve after feeding and the peak was observed in the 1st and 3rd after feeding, respectively. In summary, wp Guamerin in Wh. pigra is a small molecule polypeptide protein and is different from the Guamerin in blood-sucking leeches. wpGuamerin does not express in the digestive tract of Wh. pigra, and mainly express in muscle. Feeding behavior would stimulate the expression of wpGuamerin gene in muscle and salivary glands, but not in digestive tract.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsCloning, MolecularInvertebrate HormonesLeechesMusclesProtein Structure, SecondarySalivary Glands

Summary

Cloning of wpGuamerin (83-aa, 9.1 kDa) from the non-bloodsucking leech Whitmania pigra. Expressed primarily in muscle (not salivary glands as in blood-feeding leeches). Feeding behavior stimulates expression suggesting innate immunity role.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study cloned the wpGuamerin gene from the non-bloodsucking leech Whitmania pigra and analyzed its sequence and expression profile, finding that it encodes an 83-amino-acid peptide with 29% to 65% similarity to blood-sucking leeches. The researchers observed that wpGuamerin was primarily expressed in muscle rather than salivary glands, was absent in the digestive tract, and peaked on the 1st and 3rd after feeding for muscle and salivary glands, respectively. Understanding such bioactive peptides across various leech species provides valuable context for the American Society of Hirudotherapy, highlighting the diverse molecular components of the leech secretome that may influence therapeutic properties. However, as a preclinical molecular characterization in a non-medicinal leech species, this study does not demonstrate clinical efficacy or the functional activity of the isolated peptide.

Citation

Cloning of Guamerin gene in Whitmania pigra and its spatio-temporal expression analysis after ingestion.

Wu MJ et al. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi, 2018

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.