Juniperonic acid (CAS 18016-45-0)

Juniperonic acid, known by the CAS number 18016-45-0, is a polyunsaturated fatty acid characterized by its chain of 20 carbon atoms and four cis double bonds, specifically located at the 5th, 11th, 14th, and 17th positions. This unique configuration classifies it within the omega-3 family of fatty acids, making it a subject of interest for its role in modulating lipid membranes and cellular signaling pathways. In research, juniperonic acid has been employed to investigate its influence on the structural properties of cell membranes, including fluidity and phase behavior, which are critical for the proper function of membrane-bound proteins and receptors. Its impact on the regulation of lipid rafts and signaling cascades that control cellular communication and metabolism has also been a significant area of study. Moreover, juniperonic acid has been used in ecological studies to understand how organisms adapt their membrane lipid compositions in response to environmental stressors, particularly in cold environments where fluidity at low temperatures is crucial. Researchers have also explored its role in the biosynthesis of other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and its implications for cellular health and function in various organisms, thus providing valuable insights into the fundamental processes of lipid metabolism and cellular adaptation.