1-hexadecyl-2-methoxyglycero-3-phosphocholine

Description

1-hexadecyl-2-methoxyglycero-3-phosphocholine, also known as **hexadecyl-GPC (C16:0-GPC)**, is a synthetic analog of **phosphatidylcholine (PC)**, a major component of cell membranes.

Here's a breakdown of its structure and why it's important in research:

**Structure:**

* **1-hexadecyl:** This refers to a saturated fatty acid chain with 16 carbon atoms (hexadecanoic acid) attached to the glycerol molecule at the first position (sn-1).
* **2-methoxy:** This indicates a methoxy group (CH3O-) attached to the glycerol molecule at the second position (sn-2).
* **Glycero-3-phosphocholine:** This refers to the backbone of the molecule: glycerol with a phosphate group (PO4) attached to the third position (sn-3) and a choline molecule (N(CH3)3OH) linked to the phosphate group.

**Importance in Research:**

C16:0-GPC is an important research tool because it offers several advantages compared to natural PC:

* **Defined structure:** Unlike natural PC which has a complex mixture of fatty acids, C16:0-GPC has a single, well-defined structure. This makes it easier to study its specific effects in various experiments.
* **Enhanced stability:** C16:0-GPC is more stable than natural PC due to the presence of the methoxy group, which prevents degradation by lipases.
* **Improved solubility:** C16:0-GPC is more soluble in water than natural PC, making it easier to work with in aqueous solutions.

**Research Applications:**

C16:0-GPC has been investigated in various research areas, including:

* **Membrane biology:** Studying the role of PC in membrane structure and function.
* **Drug delivery:** Developing drug carriers that can effectively deliver therapeutic agents across cell membranes.
* **Neurological disorders:** Investigating the potential of C16:0-GPC as a therapeutic agent for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
* **Cancer research:** Studying the effects of C16:0-GPC on cancer cell growth and metastasis.
* **Cell signaling:** Exploring the role of C16:0-GPC in various signaling pathways.

**Overall, C16:0-GPC is a valuable research tool due to its defined structure, stability, and solubility. Its applications span various fields of research, making it a crucial compound for understanding cellular processes and developing novel therapies.**

1-hexadecyl-2-methoxyglycero-3-phosphocholine: RN given refers to hydroxide inner salt (R)-isomer [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]