1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine sodium salt (CAS 40290-42-4)

1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine sodium salt, often referred to as DPPS-Na, is a synthetic phospholipid crucial in biophysical research, particularly in studies simulating the inner leaflet of cellular membranes. This molecule comprises a glycerol backbone with two palmitic acid chains at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, contributing to the formation of rigid and less fluid lipid bilayers. The phospho-L-serine headgroup, negatively charged and counterbalanced by sodium, fundamentally alters the bilayer′s interaction dynamics, mimicking the anionic nature of cell membrane surfaces involved in cellular signaling and apoptosis. DPPS-Na is extensively used to explore the specific interactions between proteins and anionic phospholipid environments, aiding in the understanding of membrane asymmetry, vesicle trafficking, and the initiation of signaling pathways. This model system is pivotal for revealing how certain proteins recognize and bind to lipid membranes, providing insights into fundamental cellular mechanisms without involving therapeutic or pharmaceutical contexts.