Antithrombin protein from hirudinaria manillensis: Preliminary studies on isolation, sequencing of the antithrombin protein and cloning of the desired gene

Abstract

Salivary secretions from leeches have been known to possess anticoagulant activity. Studies have been conducted to determine the amino acid sequences and isolation method of this protein. As most studies involved the European leech, Hirudo medicinalis, little studies have been conducted on Hirudinaria manillensis. With the trend of coronary heart disease and other related phatological diseases began to rise, antithrombin protein has potential in the pharmaceutical field. Thus, it is important for mast production of this protein. Molecular biology techniques have made possible cloning and expression of the genes responsible. However, isolation using chromatographic techniques together with the low yield and low activity of the recombinant antithrombin protein have prompt us to look into other alternative of purification and expression system. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the antithrombin protein from Malaysian local leech were also studied.