cis-12,15,18-Heneicosatrienoic acid (CAS 133585-81-6)

Cis-12,15,18-Heneicosatrienoic acid, identified by CAS number 133585-81-6, is a polyunsaturated fatty acid unique due to its long carbon chain consisting of 21 carbons, enriched with three cis-configured double bonds located at the 12th, 15th, and 18th carbon positions. This structure places it within a specific category of fatty acids that contribute to the study of lipid diversity and function in biological systems. The presence of multiple double bonds in this elongated fatty acid influences its role in the modulation of cell membrane properties, such as fluidity, flexibility, and phase transition temperatures, which are essential for maintaining proper cellular function under varying environmental conditions. In research, cis-12,15,18-Heneicosatrienoic acid has been utilized to explore the effects of unusual chain lengths and double bond positions on lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions within cell membranes. These studies help explain how variations in fatty acid composition can affect the physical properties of membranes and subsequently impact cellular signaling pathways and membrane-bound enzymatic activities. Additionally, this fatty acid provides insights into the biosynthesis and catabolism of lipid molecules in more complex lipid metabolic pathways, aiding in the broader understanding of lipidomics and its implications in cellular and physiological processes across various organisms.