Comparative Study of Lefaxin Family in Two Asian Leeches:and
Research article published in Biology (2025)
Abstract
Thrombotic diseases represent a significant global health burden, particularly for middle-aged and elderly populations. Medicinal leeches, such as Hirudinaria manillensis and Whitmania pigra, have been traditionally used for their anticoagulant properties. The genomes of these leeches each harbor three lefaxin genes, which are designated lefaxin_Hman1-3 and lefaxin_Wpig1-3, respectively. We conducted genomic and transcriptomic sequencing on wild populations of both species. Bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze intraspecific variation, molecular evolution, and protein structures. We expressed recombinant lefaxin proteins in Pichia pastoris and assessed their anticoagulant activities using in vitro coagulation assays. H. manillensis exhibited greater genetic diversity and stability, whereas W. pigra showed higher expression levels and hydrophilicity. Both species exhibited purifying selection, indicating conserved function, and their lefaxin structures are similar to the archetypal lefaxin (UniProt No. P86681.1). W. pigra lefaxins bound Factor Xa more effectively. W. pigra lefaxins exhibited more robust anticoagulant activity in vitro compared to those from H. manillensis. W. pigra, a non-hematophagous leech, shows potent anticoagulant activity through lefaxins, challenging traditional views on leech efficacy. This study underscores the potential of lefaxins as therapeutic targets for thrombotic diseases and highlights the need to reconsider the use of various leech species in medicine.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Thrombotic diseases represent a significant global health burden, particularly for middle-aged and elderly populations.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This study compared the lefaxin gene family across two leech species—Hirudinaria manillensis and Whitmania pigra—through genomic, transcriptomic, and bioinformatic analyses, expressing recombinant lefaxins in Pichia pastoris and assessing anticoagulant activity via in vitro coagulation assays. W. pigra lefaxins exhibited more robust anticoagulant activity and superior Factor Xa binding compared to H. manillensis lefaxins, and notably, W. pigra is described in the abstract as a non-hematophagous leech that nonetheless shows potent anticoagulant activity through lefaxins. This is directly relevant to ASH's domain as it characterizes anticoagulant proteins from medicinal leeches with potential therapeutic implications for thrombotic diseases. However, findings are limited to in vitro coagulation assays only, with no animal or clinical data reported.
Citación
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026