The Mouse Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Gene: cDNA Sequence and Exon-Intron Structure

Abstract The low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor plays a central role in the cholesterol metabolism. The cDNA sequence of the mouse low density lipoprotein receptor ( Ldlr ) gene has been determined and shows 76% homology with the human gene. The exon-intron structure has been determined for the 129/J mouse strain. The gene is composed of 18 exons and spans a region of 28 kb. In addition, the promoter regions of the mouse and human genes are homologous. Northern blot analysis revealed an mRNA of approximately 5 kb. The cloning of the Ldlr gene will enhance the usefulness of the mouse for the study of cholesterol metabolism and, in particular, for carrying out gene targeting experiments.