Starvation-induced changes in the proteome and transcriptome of the salivary glands of leech (Hirudo nipponia)
Omics article published in PLoS ONE (2024)
Abstract
Hirudo nipponia is an important medicinal animal in China. Its salivary gland secretions contain a variety of protein bioactive substances. Investigations of its salivary glands are of great significance in the study of the medicinal value and mechanism of leech secretions. Illumina RNA-Seq technology was used to perform transcriptome sequencing of salivary gland tissue of H. nipponia under starvation (D30) and fed (D0) states. A total of 2,650 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Using the label-free protein quantification technique and bioinformatics analysis, the expression of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the salivary gland tissue of H. nipponia was compared. A total of 2,021 proteins were identified, among which 181 proteins were differentially expressed between the starvation and fed states, with 72 significantly upregulated and 109 significantly downregulated. The salivary glands of H. nipponia synthesized protein-based active substances after 30 days of starvation and adapted to the starvation environment by weakening respiratory activity and reducing metabolic activity to reduce energy expenditure. Energy was produced by glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle for the synthesis of substances such as antibiotics. This study combined transcriptome and proteome sequencing data to provide a data reference for an in-depth study of the regulatory mechanism of salivary gland secretions of H. nipponia under starvation stress by analyzing DEGs and DEPs.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Paired transcriptome and label-free proteome of Hirudo nipponia salivary glands under starvation (D30) versus fed (D0) identifies 2650 differentially expressed genes and 181 differentially expressed proteins, revealing metabolic adaptation and bioactive substance synthesis.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio utilizó RNA-Seq de Illumina y cuantificación proteómica label-free para comparar la expresión génica y proteica de las glándulas salivales de Hirudo nipponia en condiciones de ayuno de 30 días frente a condiciones de alimentación, identificando 2.650 genes diferencialmente expresados y 181 proteínas diferencialmente expresadas. Los investigadores hallaron que, tras 30 días de ayuno, las glándulas salivales continuaban sintetizando sustancias bioactivas de base proteica a la vez que reducían la actividad metabólica y respiratoria, desplazando la producción de energía hacia la glucólisis y el ciclo de los ácidos tricarboxílicos. Para el ámbito de ASH, este estudio es directamente relevante para comprender cómo se regulan y mantienen las secreciones salivales de la sanguijuela medicinal —base de la hirudoterapia— bajo diferentes estados fisiológicos. Advertencia: se trata de un estudio preclínico de biología molecular centrado en la fisiología del ayuno; no evalúa directamente la eficacia terapéutica ni los desenlaces clínicos de la hirudoterapia.
Citación
Starvation-induced changes in the proteome and transcriptome of the salivary glands of leech (Hirudo nipponia).
Cai M, Shen H, Xing Y, Wang W, Guan F, Luo Y · PLoS one, 2024
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 26, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026