Chromosome-level genome assembly of the cave leech Sinospelaeobdella cavatuses (Hirudinea: Haemadipsidae)
Research article published in 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.
Resumen
Leeches are famous for their high medical value and wide environmental adaptability.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
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.
Citación
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the cave leech Sinospelaeobdella cavatuses (Hirudinea: Haemadipsidae)
Yao B et al. · Scientific data, 2024
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026