2-Oleoyl-1-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (CAS 56421-10-4)

2-Oleoyl-1-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine is a phospholipid characterized by its unique molecular structure, which includes one stearic acid chain and one oleic acid chain attached to a glycerophosphocholine backbone. This composition is particularly significant in the study of membrane biophysics, as it provides a model for understanding the behavior of mixed-chain phospholipids within biological membranes. The stearic acid, being saturated, and the oleic acid, being monounsaturated, introduce variations in the fluidity and phase behavior of lipid bilayers formed in experimental setups. Researchers utilize this compound to explore how the combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids impacts the structural properties of membranes, such as thickness, phase transitions, and packing density. These studies are crucial for elucidating the role of lipid diversity in membrane functionality, especially in understanding the dynamics of lipid rafts and their influence on protein distribution and signaling pathways. Moreover, 2-Oleoyl-1-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine is employed in constructing artificial lipid membranes, which serve as simplified systems to investigate fundamental aspects of lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions, without involving complex biological systems. Through such research, insights into the basic principles governing membrane structure and function are gained, highlighting the significant role of fatty acid composition in these processes.