12-Methyltridecanoic acid (CAS 2724-57-4)

12-Methyltridecanoic acid is a branched-chain fatty acid that has been extensively studied for its role in lipid metabolism and its influence on membrane dynamics. This fatty acid, characterized by a methyl branch at the 12th carbon position, integrates into lipid bilayers, altering their physical properties such as fluidity and phase behavior. Research has demonstrated that the incorporation of 12-methyltridecanoic acid into membranes can modulate the function of membrane-associated proteins, including enzymes, receptors, and transporters. These changes can impact various cellular processes, such as signal transduction and nutrient transport, by affecting the structural organization of the membrane. In metabolic studies, 12-methyltridecanoic acid is used as a substrate to investigate the specificity and activity of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and modification of branched-chain fatty acids, including elongases and desaturases. Its unique structure provides valuable insights into the enzymatic mechanisms and regulatory pathways that control the synthesis of branched-chain fatty acids. Additionally, 12-methyltridecanoic acid serves as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), for the identification and quantification of branched-chain fatty acids in complex biological matrices. Overall, this compound is a crucial tool in lipidomics, enhancing our understanding of lipid metabolism, membrane structure, and the functional roles of branched-chain fatty acids in cellular biochemistry.