1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (CAS 998-07-2)

1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, commonly referred to as DMPE, is a synthetic phospholipid that plays a pivotal role in the study of membrane biochemistry and biophysics. Each molecule of DMPE comprises a glycerol backbone esterified with two myristic acid chains at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, which are saturated 14-carbon fatty acids. This structural configuration lends DMPE the capability to form highly ordered and tightly packed lipid bilayers, significantly impacting the bilayer′s fluidity and phase transition behaviors. The sn-3 position of the glycerol backbone is linked to a phosphoethanolamine group, contributing a polar head which imparts hydrophilic properties and enables the formation of stable bilayers in aqueous environments. In research, DMPE is extensively utilized to create model membranes that mimic cellular membranes, aiding in the exploration of lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions, and the dynamics of membrane-associated processes. The stability and lower fluidity of DMPE bilayers make them ideal for studying the effects of lipid composition on membrane properties such as permeability, elasticity, and phase transitions. Furthermore, DMPE′s use in forming liposomes and other nanostructured systems allows researchers to investigate encapsulation and release mechanisms, and to study the role of lipid molecules in cellular signaling pathways and membrane trafficking, all without involving the complexities of living systems. Through these applications, DMPE provides a controlled environment for dissecting the fundamental mechanisms driving cellular membrane function and dynamics.