American Society of Hirudotherapy

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

Genomics article 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, Podgorny OV, Manuvera VA 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 Hirudo medicinalis genome with proteomics-verified salivary transcriptomes of H. medicinalis, H. orientalis, and H. verbana identifies novel salivary cell-specific genes and previously unknown salivary components.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study reports a draft genome annotation of Hirudo medicinalis and RNA-seq analysis of salivary cells from three closely related medicinal leech species (H. medicinalis, H. orientalis, and H. verbana), verified by proteomics. The investigators identified many salivary cell-specific genes encoding previously unknown salivary components, discovered new homologs of known anticoagulant-encoding genes, and found that genes for known anticoagulants are expressed not only in salivary cells. For ASH's domain, this genomic and transcriptomic resource advances understanding of the genetic basis of blood-feeding and the diversity of bioactive compounds in medicinal leeches central to hirudotherapy. Caveat: this is a genome and transcriptome characterization study; it does not evaluate therapeutic efficacy, clinical outcomes, or functional validation of the newly identified salivary components.

Citation

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

Babenko VV, Podgorny OV, Manuvera VA et al. · BMC genomics, 2020

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 26, 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.