LGR5 [SEP] found in taxon
of adult stem cells in certain tissues.
Gene.
Prior to its current naming designation, LGR5 was also known as FEX, HG38, GPR49, and GPR67. The Human LGR5 gene is 144,810 bases long and located at chromosome 12 at position 12q22-q23. Both human, rat and mouse homologs contain 907 amino acids and seven transmembrane domains. After translation, the signal peptide (amino acids 1-21) is cleaved off and the mature peptide (amino acids 22-907) inserts its transmembrane domain into the translocon
renal capsule.
Structure Development.
Using "in vivo" lineage tracing techniques, "Lgr5" cells were found to contribute to the nephron, specifically to the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule. Thus, "Lgr5" cells can potentially be a marker for renal stem and/or progenitor cells.
Clinical significance.
There is much debate regarding the cells involved in repair after injury; while some suggests that stem cells are the sole driving force of repair, others suggests that cells dedifferentiate after