American Society of Hirudotherapy

Temporal and spatial expression of the Fox gene family in the Leech Helobdella austinensis

Research article published in Journal of experimental zoology Part B (2018)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Drug DevelopmentKwak HJ et al. · Journal of experimental zoology Part B, 2018

Abstract

The Forkhead box (Fox) gene family is an evolutionarily ancient gene family named after the Drosophila melanogaster forkhead gene (fkh). Fox genes are highly conserved transcription factors critical for embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. In the current study, we report a whole-genome survey of Fox genes and their expression patterns in the leech Helobdella austienesis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that some Fox genes of leeches are correlated with other Lophotrochozoa and vertebrate Fox genes. Here we have performed semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and whole-mount in situ hybridization of Fox genes throughout the embryonic development of H. austinensis. We found that each one of the leech Fox genes (FoxA1, FoxA3, FoxC, FoxL2, FoxO1, and FoxO2) is expressed in a specific set of cells or tissue type. From Stages 9-11, Hau-FoxA1 was expressed in the foregut of the anterior region, and Hau-FoxL2 was expressed in mesodermal muscle fiber. Hau-FoxA3 was temporally expressed in the ventral neuroectoderm. At Stage 11, Hau-FoxC was expressed in the foregut. Hau-FoxO genes have a ubiquitous expression. Our results provide more insight on the evolutionary linkage and role of the Fox gene function in Bilateria.

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 termsAnimalsEctodermEmbryo, NonmammalianForkhead Transcription FactorsGene Expression Regulation, DevelopmentalLeechesMesodermPhylogenyExome Sequencing

Summary

Temporal and spatial expression of the Fox gene family in the Leech Helobdella austinensis.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study conducted a whole-genome survey to map the temporal and spatial expression patterns of the Forkhead box (Fox) gene family in the leech Helobdella austinensis. Using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, the researchers found that specific Fox genes are expressed in distinct tissues during embryogenesis, such as the foregut, ventral neuroectoderm, and mesodermal muscle fibers. While this research contributes to the foundational understanding of leech developmental biology, it lacks any defensible link to applied hirudotherapy. The study is strictly a genetic and phylogenetic analysis of embryonic development, offering no insights into the medical utility of leeches or their salivary secretions.

Citation

Temporal and spatial expression of the Fox gene family in the Leech Helobdella austinensis

Kwak HJ et al. · Journal of experimental zoology Part B, 2018

DOI

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