15-phenyl-beta-methylpentadecanoic acid

15-phenyl-beta-methylpentadecanoic acid is a **synthetic fatty acid** that has a phenyl ring at the 15th carbon and a methyl group at the beta (second) position. This molecule is interesting for research because it's a **potent inhibitor of the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1)**.

Here's why SCD1 inhibition is important for research:

* **SCD1 and Metabolism:** SCD1 is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like oleic acid. MUFAs play a role in various metabolic processes, including lipid storage, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.
* **Metabolic Diseases:** Over-activation of SCD1 has been linked to metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Inhibiting SCD1 can potentially help manage these conditions.
* **Therapeutic Potential:** Because of its inhibitory effect on SCD1, 15-phenyl-beta-methylpentadecanoic acid is being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for treating metabolic disorders.
* **Understanding SCD1 Function:** This compound is also useful for researchers studying SCD1. By understanding how 15-phenyl-beta-methylpentadecanoic acid interacts with SCD1, scientists can gain insights into the enzyme's structure and function.

**Research Applications:**

* **Drug development:** 15-phenyl-beta-methylpentadecanoic acid is being studied as a potential lead compound for developing new drugs to treat metabolic diseases.
* **Metabolic studies:** Researchers use this compound to understand the role of SCD1 in various metabolic processes.
* **Cell biology:** This molecule can be used to study the effects of SCD1 inhibition on cell function and signaling pathways.

**Note:** While 15-phenyl-beta-methylpentadecanoic acid shows promise as a therapeutic agent, further research is needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans.