1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine

Description

## 1-Palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (16:0/16:1 PC)

This is a specific type of **phospholipid**, a class of lipids that are major components of cell membranes. Here's a breakdown of the name:

* **1-Palmitoyl:** The first fatty acid chain attached to the glycerol backbone is palmitic acid (16:0), a saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms.
* **2-Palmitoleoyl:** The second fatty acid chain is palmitoleic acid (16:1), a monounsaturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms and one double bond.
* **sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine:** This indicates the glycerol backbone and the head group, which is phosphocholine.

**Why is it important for research?**

16:0/16:1 PC plays a significant role in various biological processes and has been linked to several diseases:

* **Membrane Fluidity and Structure:** This phospholipid, with its unique combination of a saturated and unsaturated fatty acid, contributes to the fluidity and structural integrity of cell membranes. This impacts membrane function, such as signaling, transport, and enzyme activity.
* **Inflammation:** Studies suggest that 16:0/16:1 PC levels are altered in inflammatory conditions, potentially contributing to their pathogenesis.
* **Cardiovascular Disease:** This phospholipid has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, possibly through its involvement in platelet aggregation and blood clotting.
* **Metabolic Disorders:** 16:0/16:1 PC levels are affected in metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, suggesting its role in regulating lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
* **Cancer:** Research is exploring the potential link between 16:0/16:1 PC and cancer, particularly its role in cell growth and proliferation.

**Research Applications:**

16:0/16:1 PC is studied in various research fields:

* **Membrane Biology:** Researchers investigate its role in membrane structure and function, particularly in relation to diseases.
* **Lipidomics:** Analyzing the levels and distribution of 16:0/16:1 PC can provide insights into cell function and disease progression.
* **Drug Development:** Understanding the function of 16:0/16:1 PC can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving lipid metabolism and membrane dysfunction.

In summary, 16:0/16:1 PC is a vital phospholipid implicated in diverse cellular processes and disease states, making it a crucial molecule for research in understanding membrane biology, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer.

1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine: RN given refers to (R-(Z))-isomer [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]

1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine : A phosphatidylcholine 32:1 in which the acyl groups at C-1 and C-2 are hexadecanoyl and (9Z)-hexadec-9-enoyl respectively. [Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI), Hastings J, Owen G, Dekker A, Ennis M, Kale N, Muthukrishnan V, Turner S, Swainston N, Mendes P, Steinbeck C. (2016). ChEBI in 2016: Improved services and an expanding collection of metabolites. Nucleic Acids Res]