C16 Dihydroceramide (CAS 5966-29-0)

C16 Dihydroceramide, cataloged under CAS number 5966-29-0, is a synthetic sphingolipid analog characterized by a saturated 16-carbon fatty acid attached to a sphingosine backbone. This compound mimics the structure of naturally occurring ceramides but lacks the double bond typically found in the sphingosine portion of natural ceramides, which imparts distinct biophysical properties to the molecule. In cellular and molecular research, C16 Dihydroceramide is extensively used to investigate the roles of ceramides in cellular signaling pathways, particularly those related to stress response, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. The absence of the double bond in dihydroceramides like C16 Dihydroceramide makes them more resistant to oxidation, thereby providing a stable model to study the effects of ceramides in oxidative environments. Researchers utilize this compound to dissect the specific contributions of ceramides to membrane structure, fluidity, and function, as well as their interactions with other bioactive molecules within the cell. By exploring the dynamics of C16 Dihydroceramide within various cellular contexts, scientists can better understand the complex network of lipid-mediated signaling that influences cell behavior, survival, and adaptation to both internal and external stimuli. This research explains fundamental aspects of cell biology and contributes to broader scientific knowledge on lipidomics and cell membrane dynamics.