N-Acetyl-2,3-dehydro-2-deoxyneuraminic acid methyl ester (CAS 25875-99-4)

N-Acetyl-2,3-dehydro-2-deoxyneuraminic acid methyl ester is a synthetically modified derivative of sialic acid, distinguished by its dehydrated backbone and the addition of a methyl ester group, which enhances its membrane permeability. This chemical modification introduces a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms, significantly altering its interaction with natural biological systems. It functions primarily by mimicking the structure of natural sialic acids but is resistant to enzymatic degradation, making it an invaluable tool in biological research. This compound is particularly useful in studying interactions with sialic acid-binding proteins, such as siglecs and selectins, which are critical in processes like cell communication and adhesion. In research settings, it serves to probe the mechanisms of cell surface glyco-interactions, offering insights into cellular behaviors in physiological and pathological states, such as inflammation and metastasis. By providing a stable yet biologically active analog of sialic acid, this compound helps explain the roles of sialic acids in cell biology, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of cellular dynamics and interaction networks without involving direct therapeutic applications.