American Society of Hirudotherapy

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

Genomics study 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

Draft Hirudo medicinalis genome plus RNA-seq of H. medicinalis, H. orientalis and H. verbana salivary cells identified novel salivary components and new homologs of known anticoagulants.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study annotated a draft Hirudo medicinalis genome and performed RNA-seq on salivary cells from H. medicinalis, H. orientalis, and H. verbana, combining transcriptomics with proteomics to identify many previously unknown salivary components and new homologs of known anticoagulant genes, while noting that known anticoagulant genes are also expressed outside salivary cells. For ASH, this is highly relevant as a genomic/transcriptomic foundation for understanding blood-feeding genetics and discovering novel anticoagulant/anti-hemostatic proteins in medicinal leech saliva. Honest caveat: the work is molecular and descriptive; it does not functionally validate the novel proteins' bioactivity, therapeutic utility, or relevance to clinical hirudotherapy.

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.