LRP5 sequence and polymorphisms in the baboon

Background: LRP5 is known to have an important relationship with bone density and a variety of other biological processes. Mapping to human chromosome 11q13.2, LRP5 shows considerable evolutionary conservation. Orthologs of this gene exist in many species, although comparison of human LRP5 with other non-human primates has not been performed until now. Methods: We reported the complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence and deduced amino acid sequence for baboon LRP5, and compared the baboon and human sequences. cDNA sequences for 21 baboons were examined to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Results: Sequences of coding regions in human and baboon LRP5 showed 97-99% homology. Twenty-five SNPs were identified in the coding region of baboon LRP5. Conclusion: The observed degree of coding sequence homology in LRP5 led us to expect that the baboon may serve as a useful model for future research into the role(s) of this gene in primate metabolic diseases.