RNA-Seq of five medicinal leech species

Leeches (Hirudinea, Annelida) are segmented worms which are found on all continents except Antarctica. Many species of leeches feed on the blood of mammals. To facilitate satiation within a few minutes, the leeches secrete biologically active substances, including anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and anti-inflammatories, to counteract the host's physiological hemostatic process. These bioactive substances could have significant medical and medicinal value if utilized effectively. In this study, we provide RNA-Seq data of five medicinal leech species including Hirudinaria manillensis, Whitmania pigra, Whitmania laevis, Hirudo nipponia, and Hirudo tianjinensis. These data provide fundamental basis for identification of potential antithrombotic genes and estimate the relative expressions of these genes. Our results will greatly facilitate the research and application of leech derivatives for medical and pharmaceutical purposes in thrombosis therapy.