Baboon cytochrome P450c11 is encoded by more than one gene

Two P450c11 genes, sharing 99% homology, were cloned from Cape baboon adrenal tissue using RT-PCR. The cDNAs showed 96% and 94.6% sequence identity to human P450c11 and aldosterone synthase, respectively. One of the gene sequences contained a termination codon in exon one. The cloned cDNAs were expressed in COS 1 cells and the metabolism of deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone investigated. The expressed enzyme exhibited 1 beta hydroxylase activity, but no aldosterone synthase activity.