1-O-Hexadecyl-3-O-methyl-rac-glycerol (CAS 111188-59-1)

1-O-Hexadecyl-3-O-methyl-rac-glycerol is a structurally unique monoacylglycerol derivative that contains an ether-linked hexadecyl group at the sn-1 position and a methyl group at the sn-3 position. Its synthetic modification makes it valuable for lipid metabolism and signaling studies. This compound′s distinct structural features allow researchers to investigate the enzymatic activity of lipases and ether lipid metabolism enzymes while exploring the structural requirements for receptor binding. Its role as an ether lipid analog provides insights into the biosynthesis and degradation pathways of plasmalogens and other ether-linked phospholipids. This compound acts as a stable substrate or inhibitor in assays studying phospholipase and monoacylglycerol lipase activity, revealing details of substrate specificity, catalytic mechanisms, and enzyme regulation. Furthermore, 1-O-Hexadecyl-3-O-methyl-rac-glycerol is useful for studying ether lipid signaling, as it mimics the structure of natural ether lipids involved in immune and inflammatory processes. It allows scientists to analyze the interactions between ether lipids and their protein targets, elucidating the molecular underpinnings of signaling pathways influenced by lipid-protein interactions. Additionally, its incorporation into artificial membrane systems has facilitated research into membrane biophysics and lipid rafts, providing insights into the organization and dynamics of lipid domains in cellular membranes.