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Ma X, Yan X, Ke R, Shan H, Rehman SU, Feng T, Zheng Y, Chuang C, Zhou W, Liu Q, Zheng J. Comparative Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis of Hirudo nipponia in Different Growth Periods. Front Physiol 2022; 13:873831. [PMID: 35812329 PMCID: PMC9259933 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.873831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hirudo nipponia is the only blood-sucking leech included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia having distinct features of anticoagulation, exorcizing blood stasis, and promoting menstruation. Despite such significant characteristics, very little is known about its molecular genetics and related physiological mechanisms. In this study, the transcriptomes of H. nipponia at three developmental stages (larvae, young, and adults), revealed a total of 1,348 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 223 differentially expressed lncRNAs, and 88 novel mRNAs. A significant diverse gene expression patterns were observed at different developmental stages which were analyzed by differential gene expression trends, and the overall gene expression trends consist of three overall down-regulated trends, and two overall up-regulated trends. Furthermore, the GO and KEGG enrichment functional annotation analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly associated with protein hydrolysis, signal transduction, energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism while growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction-related DEGs were also found. Additionally, real-time quantitative PCR results confirmed deep sequencing results based on the relative expression levels of nine randomly selected genes. This is the first transcriptome-based comprehensive study of H. irudo nipponia at different developmental stages which provided considerable deep understanding related to gene expression patterns and their relevant developmental pathways, neurodevelopmental and reproductive characteristics of the leech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xiuying Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ren Ke
- Department of Cardiology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Huiquan Shan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Saif ur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Tong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yalin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Chen Chuang
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Weiguan Zhou
- Thai Natural Hirudin Co, Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Qingyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Qingyou Liu, ; Jinghui Zheng,
| | - Jinghui Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Qingyou Liu, ; Jinghui Zheng,
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Wang H, Meng FM, Jin SJ, Gao JW, Tong XR, Liu ZC. A new species of medicinal leech in the genus Hirudo Linnaeus, 1758 (Hirudiniformes, Hirudinidae) from Tianjin City, China. Zookeys 2022; 1095:83-96. [PMID: 35836684 PMCID: PMC9021146 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1095.74071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicinal leeches in the genus Hirudo have been utilized for therapeutic procedures for thousands of years. To date, six known species of Hirudo are widely distributed in different regions of the Eurasian continent. In this study, a new medicinal leech species Hirudotianjinensis Liu, sp. nov. is described based upon specimens collected from Tianjin City, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters: blackish green dorsum with five continuous yellow longitudinal stripes; six sensillae on dorsal annulus a2 of segments VIII–XXV; greyish green ventrum with irregular bilateral dark brown spots; dorsum and abdomen separated by a pair of pale yellow stripes; front half atrium wrapped by white prostate; apparent albumen gland; epididymis massive in relation to ejaculatory bulb. The phylogenetic tree based upon COI implies a sister relationship to H.nipponia Whitman, 1886. A key to the known species is provided.
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Kwak HJ, Lee SG, Park SC, Kim JH, Weisblat DA, Park C, Cho SJ. Head transcriptome profiling of glossiphoniid leech ( Helobdella austinensis) reveals clues about proboscis development. Open Biol 2022; 12:210298. [PMID: 35232253 PMCID: PMC8889196 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cephalization refers to the evolutionary trend towards the concentration of neural tissues, sensory organs, mouth and associated structures at the front end of bilaterian animals. Comprehensive studies on gene expression related to the anterior formation in invertebrate models are currently lacking. In this study, we performed de novo transcriptional profiling on a proboscis-bearing leech (Helobdella austinensis) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the anterior versus other parts of the body, in particular to find clues as to the development of the proboscis. Between the head and the body, 132 head-specific DEGs were identified, of which we chose 11 to investigate their developmental function during embryogenesis. Analysis of the spatial expression of these genes using in situ hybridization showed that they were characteristically expressed in the anterior region of the developing embryo, including the proboscis. Our results provide information on the genes related to head formation and insights into the function of proboscis-related genes during organogenesis with the potential roles of genes not yet characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jin Kwak
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea,Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Sung-Gwon Lee
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Cheol Park
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyeuk Kim
- Wildlife Disease Response Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - David A. Weisblat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, 385 Weill Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Chungoo Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
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WPK5, a Novel Kunitz-Type Peptide from the Leech Whitmania pigra Inhibiting Factor XIa, and Its Loop-Replaced Mutant to Improve Potency. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121745. [PMID: 34944561 PMCID: PMC8698482 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type proteins or peptides have been found in many blood-sucking animals, but the identity of them in leeches remained elusive. In the present study, five Kunitz-type peptides named WPK1-WPK5 were identified from the leech Whitmania pigra. Recombinant WPK1-WPK5 were expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115, and their inhibitory activity against Factor XIa (FXIa) was tested. WPK5 showed inhibitory activity against FXIa with an IC50 value of 978.20 nM. To improve its potency, the loop replacement strategy was used. The loop 1 (TGPCRSNLER) and loop 2 (QYGGC) in WPK5 were replaced by loop 1 (TGPCRAMISR) and loop 2 (FYGGC) in PN2KPI, respectively, and the resulting peptide named WPK5-Mut showed an IC50 value of 8.34 nM to FXIa, which is about 100-fold the potency of FXIa compared to that of WPK5. WPK5-Mut was further evaluated for its extensive bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. It dose-dependently prolonged APTT on both murine plasma and human plasma, and potently inhibited FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis in mice at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Additionally, WPK5-Mut did not show significant bleeding risk at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Together, these results showed that WPK5-Mut is a promising candidate for the development of an antithrombotic drug.
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Iwama RE, Tessler M, Siddall ME, Kvist S. The Origin and Evolution of Antistasin-like Proteins in Leeches (Hirudinida, Clitellata). Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evaa242. [PMID: 33527140 PMCID: PMC7851590 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bloodfeeding is employed by many parasitic animals and requires specific innovations for efficient feeding. Some of these innovations are molecular features that are related to the inhibition of hemostasis. For example, bloodfeeding insects, bats, and leeches release proteins with anticoagulatory activity through their salivary secretions. The antistasin-like protein family, composed of serine protease inhibitors with one or more antistasin-like domains, is tightly linked to inhibition of hemostasis in leeches. However, this protein family has been recorded also in non-bloodfeeding invertebrates, such as cnidarians, mollusks, polychaetes, and oligochaetes. The present study aims to 1) root the antistasin-like gene tree and delimit the major orthologous groups, 2) identify potential independent origins of salivary proteins secreted by leeches, and 3) identify major changes in domain and/or motif structure within each orthologous group. Five clades containing leech antistasin-like proteins are distinguishable through rigorous phylogenetic analyses based on nine new transcriptomes and a diverse set of comparative data: the trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitors clade, the antistasin clade, the therostasin clade, and two additional, unnamed clades. The antistasin-like gene tree supports multiple origins of leech antistasin-like proteins due to the presence of both leech and non-leech sequences in one of the unnamed clades, but a single origin of factor Xa and trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitors. This is further supported by three sequence motifs that are exclusive to antistasins, the trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitor clade, and the therostasin clade, respectively. We discuss the implications of our findings for the evolution of this diverse family of leech anticoagulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Eiji Iwama
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Tessler
- Department of Biology, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Kvist
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Han YH, Ryu KB, Medina Jiménez BI, Kim J, Lee HY, Cho SJ. Muscular Development in Urechis unicinctus (Echiura, Annelida). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072306. [PMID: 32225111 PMCID: PMC7178014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Echiura is one of the most intriguing major subgroups of phylum Annelida because, unlike most other annelids, echiuran adults lack metameric body segmentation. Urechis unicinctus lives in U-shape burrows of soft sediments. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of U. unicinctus. Herein, we overviewed the developmental process from zygote to juvenile U. unicinctus using immunohistochemistry and F-actin staining for the nervous and muscular systems, respectively. Through F-actin staining, we found that muscle fibers began to form in the trochophore phase and that muscles for feeding were produced first. Subsequently, in the segmentation larval stage, the transversal muscle was formed in the shape of a ring in an anterior-to-posterior direction with segment formation, as well as a ventromedian muscle for the formation of a ventral nerve cord. After that, many muscle fibers were produced along the entire body and formed the worm-shaped larva. Finally, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression of Uun_st-mhc, Uun_troponin I, Uun_calponin, and Uun_twist genes found in U. unicinctus. During embryonic development, the striated and smooth muscle genes were co-expressed in the same region. However, the adult body wall muscles showed differential gene expression of each muscle layer. The results of this study will provide the basis for the understanding of muscle differentiation in Echiura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hee Han
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (Y.-H.H.); (K.-B.R.); (B.I.M.J.)
| | - Kyoung-Bin Ryu
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (Y.-H.H.); (K.-B.R.); (B.I.M.J.)
| | - Brenda I. Medina Jiménez
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (Y.-H.H.); (K.-B.R.); (B.I.M.J.)
- Department of Earth Sciences, Paleobiology, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jung Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, 539 LSA, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA;
| | - Hae-Youn Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (Y.-H.H.); (K.-B.R.); (B.I.M.J.)
- Correspondence: (H.-Y.L.); (S.-J.C.); Tel.: +82-43-261-2294 (S.-J.C.)
| | - Sung-Jin Cho
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (Y.-H.H.); (K.-B.R.); (B.I.M.J.)
- Correspondence: (H.-Y.L.); (S.-J.C.); Tel.: +82-43-261-2294 (S.-J.C.)
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