Researchers at Duke University have discovered a potential anti-clotting agent derived from the saliva of blood-sucking organisms such as ticks, mosquitoes, and leeches. This synthetic molecule mimics the effects of compounds found in the saliva of these creatures and can be used as an alternative to heparin during medical procedures such as angioplasty, dialysis care, and surgeries. The molecule works by inhibiting blood clotting, similar to the way blood-sucking organisms prevent blood from clotting when extracting a meal from a host. Importantly, the effect of the molecule can be swiftly reversed to resume clotting when needed.
Lead author Dr. Bruce Sullenger and his team at Duke University collaborated with researchers from the University of Pennsylvania to develop this synthetic molecule. They focused on engineering molecules that target thrombin and factor Xa in human blood, achieving a dual-action anti-clotting function against these proteins. The researchers identified the mechanism used by blood-sucking organisms to inhibit clotting and were able to replicate it in a synthetic form. They also devised a method to quickly reverse the anti-clotting effect to prevent hemorrhaging and ensure patient safety during clinical applications.
One of the advantages of this synthetic molecule is that it is a more sustainable alternative to heparin, which has been the clinical standard for the past 100 years. Heparin is derived from pig intestines, requiring a large farming infrastructure that contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By developing a synthetic molecule that mimics the effects of heparin without the need for animal sources, the researchers hope to reduce environmental impact and provide a safer treatment option for patients. This approach aligns with a growing recognition in the medical field of the need to find alternatives to animal-derived medicines.
The team at Duke University, led by Dr. Haixiang Yu, has submitted a patent application for the new synthetic molecule, which has shown promise in inhibiting blood clotting and can be quickly reversed when needed. The research was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, and the study authors include a team of researchers from both Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania. The development of this anti-clotting agent represents a new direction in medical research, focused on improving patient outcomes while also considering environmental sustainability in drug development.
Overall, the new synthetic molecule derived from the saliva of blood-sucking organisms shows potential as an effective anti-clotting agent for use in various medical procedures. By mimicking the natural mechanism used by blood-sucking creatures to prevent blood from clotting during feeding, the researchers have developed a molecule that can be safely and quickly reversed to resume clotting as needed. This innovation not only offers a safer and potentially more effective alternative to heparin but also addresses concerns about the environmental impact of traditional animal-derived medicines. The development of this synthetic molecule represents a step towards a more sustainable approach to blood clotting control in medical treatments.