Sequence variation and gene expression in the HMEI gene family of the Asian buffalo leech (Hirudinaria manillensis)

To observe the genetic variation of gene family members of the Hirudinaria manillensis elastase inhibitors of the Asian buffalo leech (Hirudinaria manillensis). A total of 50 samples were collected from seven populations of Asian buffalo leech in Guangdong and Guangxi, China, and genome resequencing and transcriptome sequencing were carried out to identify the HMEI genes. The genetic variation characteristics of these genes were systematically analyzed at the intraspecific level. The genetic attributes (sequence variation, selection pressure and expression levels) of the HMEI genes of the Asian buffalo leech at the intraspecific level varied considerably among genes and individuals, providing rich genetic resources for the study of the identification and development of antithrombotic active substances in the leech.