American Society of Hirudotherapy

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the cave leech Sinospelaeobdella cavatuses (Hirudinea: Haemadipsidae)

Research article published in Scientific data (2024)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Genomics & ProteomicsSalivary PharmacologyYao B et al. · Scientific data, 2024

Abstract

Leeches are famous for their high medical value and wide environmental adaptability. Among them, cave leeches are a very fascinating and rare group, which is an important component in the study of adaptive evolution of leeches. However, no study has yet reported a reference genome for this group. In this study, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome of the cave terrestrial leech Sinospelaeobdella cavatuses, through Illumina and PacBio sequencing, alongside chromosome conformation capture techniques. The resulting genome spans 153.67 Mb across 9 pseudochromosomes(range: 11.33 to 23.53 Mb), with a mounting rate of up to 95.37% and features an N50 length of 17.15 Mb. This genome is composed of 35.16% repetitive elements and contains 21180 predicted protein-coding genes. Decoding the S. cavatuses genome not only promotes future studies on study of its phylogeny, evolution, and behavior, but also provides valuable resources for in-depth investigation on adaptive evolution of leech.

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 termsAnimalsCavesChromosomesGenomeLeechesPhylogeny

Summary

Leeches are famous for their high medical value and wide environmental adaptability.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study reports the first high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for the cave terrestrial leech Sinospelaeobdella cavatuses, assembled using Illumina, PacBio, and chromosome conformation capture. The genome spans 153.67 Mb across 9 pseudochromosomes with a 95.37% mounting rate, an N50 of 17.15 Mb, 35.16% repetitive elements, and 21,180 predicted protein-coding genes. For ASH, the abstract notes that leeches are 'famous for their high medical value,' providing a general basis for inclusion, though this specific cave leech is not described as used in therapy. However, this is a genome assembly report—it presents no analysis of bioactive compounds, salivary anticoagulants, therapeutic data, or hirudotherapy applications. Its relevance to ASH's domain is entirely indirect.

Citation

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the cave leech Sinospelaeobdella cavatuses (Hirudinea: Haemadipsidae)

Yao B et al. · Scientific data, 2024

DOI

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

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