Chenodeoxycholic acid diacetate methyl ester (CAS 2616-71-9)

Chenodeoxycholic acid diacetate methyl ester is a chemically modified derivative of chenodeoxycholic acid, which is one of the primary bile acids produced in the liver from cholesterol. This derivative is specifically modified to contain acetyl groups at the hydroxyl positions and a methyl ester group at the carboxyl end, enhancing its lipophilicity compared to the parent compound. This modification alters its solubility and reactivity, making it particularly useful in various research applications that explore lipid metabolism, membrane biology, and the synthesis of complex organic molecules. In research, the esterified form of chenodeoxycholic acid is often used as a starting material or intermediate in the synthesis of more complex bile acid derivatives. These derivatives are crucial for studying the roles of bile acids in cell signaling and their interactions with bile acid receptors like FXR (farnesoid X receptor), which play significant roles in the regulation of lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. Additionally, the increased lipophilicity of the ester allows it to be more readily incorporated into lipid membranes, making it a valuable tool in studying membrane dynamics and the transport mechanisms of lipophilic compounds. This derivative′s utility extends to the development of model systems for studying the pharmacokinetics of bile acids and their analogues, providing insights into the behavior of these compounds within biological systems.