Comparative genomics of two Asian medicinal leeches Hirudo nipponia and Hirudo tianjinensis: With emphasis on antithrombotic genes and their corresponding proteins

Zhao, Fang; Huang, Zuhao; He, Bo; Liu, Kaiqing; Li, Junyu; Liu, Zichao; Lin, Gonghua

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132278

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132278

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Comparative genomics of two Asian medicinal leeches Hirudo nipponia and Hirudo tianjinensis: With emphasis on antithrombotic genes and their corresponding proteins

Fang Zhao,

Zuhao Huang,

Bo He

et al.

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Cited by 2 publications

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Diversity of hirudin and hirudin-like factor genes in the North-African medicinal leech, Hirudo troctina

Ahmed,

Abilov,

Müller

2024

Parasitol Res

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Medicinal leeches of the genus Hirudo inhabit large areas of the Palaearctic realm. The distribution range of Hirudo troctina includes the southern Iberian peninsula and the northwestern regions of Africa. H. troctina is used for medical purposes, but only very little is known about the components of its salivary gland secretion. Hirudins, bivalent inhibitors of thrombin, are probably the best known leech-derived bioactive factors. Hirudin-like factors (HLFs) represent another class of salivary gland components that share characteristic genetic and structural markers with hirudins. Hirudin is not a single entity but exists in at least four different variants. However, there are differences among the European members of the genus Hirudo with respect to the actual number of hirudin and HLF genes that are present within their genomes. Here, we describe the identification and molecular cloning of 11 genes that encode for putative hirudin and HLF variants in H. troctina. Three of the genes consist of exons and introns that originate from different “archetype” genes and are likely the result of recombination events. The diversity of hirudin and HLF genes in H. troctina surpasses that of all other European members of the genus Hirudo. The putative hirudin variants and representatives of the HLFs of H. troctina were expressed as recombinant proteins, purified and functionally characterized for their thrombin-inhibiting potencies. Phylogenetic analyses based on hirudin and HLF gene sequences of the leech genera Hirudo, Hirudinaria, and Whitmania supported the hypothesis that hirudins and HLFs diverged early in leech evolution.

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Diversity of hirudin and hirudin-like factor genes in the North-African medicinal leech, Hirudo troctina

Ahmed,

Abilov,

Müller

2024

Parasitol Res

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An overview of leech saliva and cosmetic potential

Çoruk,

Kaymak,

Ayhan

et al. 2024

Eurasian Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences

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The therapeutic benefits of leech secretion have been known for centuries, and the potential of this substance in modern cosmetics is now attracting increasing interest. Leech secretion contains various bioactive compounds, including enzymes, peptides, and proteins. The bioactive components found in leech saliva, including anticoagulants, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides, are responsible for leech saliva's effectiveness in increasing skin hydration, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. To utilize their potential, it is imperative to sift through the skin area. This study reviews the available literature and research studies on the chemical properties of leech saliva and its use in cosmetic formulations. It highlights the bioactive compounds, their potential mechanisms of action, and their efficacy in cosmetic applications. The sources consulted include peer-reviewed articles, clinical studies, and industry reports. Data from these studies are synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge. The findings suggest that leech saliva has significant potential as an ingredient in cosmeceutical products and offers new benefits for skin rejuvenation and repair. The review highlights the need for further research to optimize extraction processes, ensure product safety, and investigate additional applications. By advancing our understanding of leech saliva's chemical properties and mechanisms, future studies may facilitate the development of innovative skincare solutions and increase the efficacy of cosmetic formulations.

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Comparative genomics of two Asian medicinal leeches Hirudo nipponia and Hirudo tianjinensis: With emphasis on antithrombotic genes and their corresponding proteins

Cited by 2 publications

References 79 publications

Diversity of hirudin and hirudin-like factor genes in the North-African medicinal leech, Hirudo troctina

Diversity of hirudin and hirudin-like factor genes in the North-African medicinal leech, Hirudo troctina

An overview of leech saliva and cosmetic potential

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