Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Leech Thrombospondin-Like Protein

Thrombospondin-type repeat (TSR)-domain protein identified in leech salivary transcriptome — putative platelet / matrix interactor.

Preclínico / mecanísticoLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Leech Thrombospondin-Like Protein compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaLHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase)50 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Leech Thrombospondin-Like Protein (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Thrombospondin-type repeat (TSR)-domain protein identified in leech salivary transcriptome — putative platelet / matrix interactor.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

This protein is identified at the sequence level only. Hypothesized platelet / ECM interactions are NOT clinically validated. No FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antiplatelet
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
50,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
2018
Leech Thrombospondin-Like Protein molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → platelet thrombospondin-binding receptors (predicted)

External Resources

    Related Antiplatelet Compounds

    Calin

    Anti-platelet adhesion protein that blocks von Willebrand factor–collagen binding.

    Saratin

    Anti-platelet adhesion protein blocking collagen-mediated platelet activation.

    Decorsin

    RGD-containing peptide inhibiting platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor — eptifibatide ancestor.

    Ornatin

    RGD-peptide GP IIb/IIIa antagonist — sister molecule to decorsin from a different leech species.

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