Make it double: identification and characterization of a Tandem-Hirudin from the Asian medicinal leech Hirudinaria manillensis
Research article published in Parasitology research (2022)
Abstract
Haematophagous leeches express a broad variety of secretory proteins in their salivary glands, among them are hirudins and hirudin-like factors. Here, we describe the identification, molecular and initial functional characterization of Tandem-Hirudin (TH), a novel salivary gland derived factor identified in the Asian medicinal leech, Hirudinaria manillensis. In contrast to the typical structure of hirudins, TH comprises two globular domains arranged in a tandem-like orientation and lacks the elongated C-terminal tail. Similar structures of thrombin inhibitors have so far been identified only in kissing bugs and ticks. Expression of TH was performed in both cell-based and cell-free bacterial systems. A subsequent functional characterization revealed no evidence for a thrombin-inhibitory potency of TH.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Haematophagous leeches express a broad variety of secretory proteins in their salivary glands, among them are hirudins and hirudin-like factors. Here, we describe the identification, molecular and initial functional characterization of Tandem-Hirudin (TH), a novel salivary gland derived factor identified in the Asian medicinal leech, Hirudinaria...
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio reporta la identificación y caracterización molecular de Tandem-Hirudin (TH), un factor novedoso de la glándula salival de la sanguijuela medicinal asiática Hirudinaria manillensis, que se distingue por dos dominios globulares en una orientación en tándem y por la ausencia de la cola C-terminal alargada típica de las hirudinas convencionales. Este trabajo contribuye a mapear la diversidad estructural de las proteínas tipo hirudina dentro del secretoma salival de la sanguijuela y revela una arquitectura previamente documentada solo en garrapatas y chinches besadoras, enriqueciendo la biología comparada de los anticoagulantes hematófagos relevantes para el dominio de la ASH. Sin embargo, los ensayos funcionales no detectaron potencia inhibidora de trombina para TH, lo que limita su relevancia directa para los mecanismos anticoagulantes que sustentan la hirudoterapia. El papel biológico de TH permanece indeterminado, y los hallazgos representan una caracterización molecular y funcional inicial más que una demostración de utilidad terapéutica.
Citación
Make it double: identification and characterization of a Tandem-Hirudin from the Asian medicinal leech Hirudinaria manillensis.
Lukas P et al. · Parasitology research, 2022
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026