American Society of Hirudotherapy

Effect of O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation of leech-derived peptides on binding and inhibitory activity against thrombin

Research article published in Chemical communications (2011)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportDrug DevelopmentHsieh YS et al. · Chemical communications, 2011

Abstract

Synthesis of sulfated and unsulfated (glyco)peptide fragments of Hirudin P6 (a potent anticoagulant from the leech Hirudinaria manillensis) is described. The effect of O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation on thrombin binding and peptidolytic activity was investigated, together with the inhibition of fibrinogen cleavage.

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 termsBinding SitesGlycosylationMolecular ConformationPeptidesStructure-Activity RelationshipThrombinTyrosine

Summary

Effect of O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation of leech-derived peptides on binding and inhibitory activity against thrombin.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study describes the synthesis of sulfated and unsulfated (glyco)peptide fragments of Hirudin P6—a potent anticoagulant identified from the leech Hirudinaria manillensis—and investigates how O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation affect thrombin binding, peptidolytic activity, and inhibition of fibrinogen cleavage. Because Hirudin P6 is a leech-derived peptide, characterizing these structural modifications helps clarify how specific chemical features influence its interaction with thrombin. The work is limited to isolated, chemically synthesized peptide fragments studied in vitro; it does not evaluate whole leeches, live hirudotherapy, or any clinical outcome.

Citation

Effect of O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation of leech-derived peptides on binding and inhibitory activity against thrombin

Hsieh YS et al. · Chemical communications, 2011

DOI

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

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