American Society of Hirudotherapy

The genome sequence of the freshwater leech Erpobdella octoculata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hirudinida: Erpobdellidae)

Genome resource published in Wellcome Open Res (2025)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportGenomics & ProteomicsSkipp SJ et al. · Wellcome open research, 2025

Abstract

We present a genome assembly from an individual Erpobdella octoculata (leeches; Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida; Erpobdellidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 386.12 megabases. Most of the assembly (98.81%) is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 19.12 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19 465 protein-coding genes. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces reference genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.

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

Publication typeJournal Article

Summary

Darwin Tree of Life chromosome-level reference genome of the freshwater leech Erpobdella octoculata. 386 Mb total, 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules, 19,465 protein-coding genes annotated via Ensembl. Mitochondrial genome assembled at 19.12 kb.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This article presents a genome assembly from an individual Erpobdella octoculata (leeches; Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida; Erpobdellidae), with a total length of 386.12 megabases, 98.81% scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules, a 19.12 kb mitochondrial genome, and 19,465 annotated protein-coding genes, generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project producing reference genomes for British and Irish eukaryotes. For ASH's domain, the relevance is indirect: the abstract describes only a genome assembly for a leech species and does not mention salivary anticoagulants, therapeutic compounds, hirudotherapy, or any clinical application. No data are presented on bioactive molecules or medicinal use, so any therapeutic connection would be speculative.

Citation

The genome sequence of the freshwater leech Erpobdella octoculata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hirudinida: Erpobdellidae).

Skipp SJ et al. · Wellcome open research, 2025

DOI

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

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