American Society of Hirudotherapy

Molecular mechanisms underlying hematophagia revealed by comparative analyses of leech genomes

Basic science published in GigaScience (2023)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Genomics & ProteomicsSalivary PharmacologyZheng J et al. · GigaScience, 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Leeches have been used in traditional Chinese medicine since prehistoric times to treat a spectrum of ailments, but very little is known about their physiological, genetic, and evolutionary characteristics. FINDINGS: We sequenced and assembled chromosome-level genomes of 3 leech species (bloodsucking Hirudo nipponia and Hirudinaria manillensis and nonbloodsucking Whitmania pigra). The dynamic population histories and genome-wide expression patterns of the 2 bloodsucking leech species were found to be similar. A combined analysis of the genomic and transcriptional data revealed that the bloodsucking leeches have a presumably enhanced auditory sense for prey location in relatively deep fresh water. The copy number of genes related to anticoagulation, analgesia, and anti-inflammation increased in the bloodsucking leeches, and their gene expressions responded dynamically to the bloodsucking process. Furthermore, the expanded FBN1 gene family may help in rapid body swelling of leeches after bloodsucking, and the expanded GLB3 gene family may be associated with long-term storage of prey blood in a leech's body. CONCLUSIONS: The high-quality reference genomes and comprehensive datasets obtained in this study may facilitate innovations in the artificial culture and strain optimization of leeches.

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 termsAnimalsGenomeBase SequenceLeechesBiological Evolution

Summary

Chromosome-level genomes of bloodsucking H. nipponia and H. manillensis and non-bloodsucking W. pigra reveal expanded anticoagulant/analgesic/anti-inflammatory gene copies plus FBN1 and GLB3 expansion enabling rapid swelling and prolonged blood storage.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study sequenced and assembled chromosome-level genomes of three leech species—bloodsucking Hirudo nipponia and Hirudinaria manillensis and nonbloodsucking Whitmania pigra—finding that bloodsucking leeches had increased copy numbers of genes related to anticoagulation, analgesia, and anti-inflammation, with dynamic expression responses to bloodsucking. Expanded FBN1 and GLB3 gene families were associated with rapid body swelling and long-term blood storage, respectively. For ASH's domain, this work is relevant because it provides genomic insight into the molecular basis of anticoagulant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory salivary functions central to hirudotherapy and the leech secretome. The caveat is that this is a comparative genomics study without direct therapeutic, pharmacological, or clinical investigation; the findings are foundational and evolutionary rather than translational, so relevance is indirect but scientifically substantive.

Citation

Molecular mechanisms underlying hematophagia revealed by comparative analyses of leech genomes.

Zheng J et al. · GigaScience, 2023

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.