N-Heptadecanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (CAS 67492-16-4)

N-Heptadecanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine is a synthetic analog of naturally occurring sphingosine, characterized by an N-linked heptadecanoyl (17-carbon fatty acid) chain. This chemical structure is pivotal in its role as a mimic of ceramide, a key component in the structure and signaling functions of cellular membranes. In the realm of research, this compound provides a critical tool for investigating the bioactive properties of ceramides without the variability found in natural extracts. The D-erythro configuration of N-Heptadecanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine ensures it closely resembles the natural geometrical orientation of sphingolipids, which is essential for its biological activity, particularly in interacting with specific proteins and enzymes in the cell. It has been utilized extensively to study the mechanisms by which sphingolipids influence cellular signal transduction pathways that govern crucial functions such as apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. This sphingosine derivative also plays a significant role in research focused on understanding the lipid raft composition and its influence on receptor-mediated signaling, providing insights into how lipid components can affect the physical properties of cell membranes and subsequently impact cellular communication and response mechanisms. Through such studies, N-Heptadecanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine is invaluable in elucidating the complex roles of sphingolipids in cellular physiology beyond basic structural components of the membrane.