New advances in the chemistry of methoxylated lipids

Prog Lipid Res. 2002 Nov;41(6):437-56. doi: 10.1016/s0163-7827(02)00005-x.

Abstract

Methoxylated lipids have been reviewed emphasizing the alkylglycerol ethers and fatty acids bearing the methoxy group in the alkyl chain. The literature on methoxylated lipids and their derivatives has been divided into four main groups, namely 2-methoxylated alkyl glycerols, omega-methoxylated fatty acids, mid-chain methoxylated fatty acids, and alpha-methoxylated fatty acids. The natural occurrence, biological activity, and synthesis of this interesting group of lipids are discussed. Most of these compounds have been isolated from either bacterial or marine sources, but others are mainly of synthetic origin. Among the interesting biological activities displayed by these compounds the most important are antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, and antiviral.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antimetabolites*
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids / chemical synthesis
  • Fatty Acids / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Glycerol / chemical synthesis
  • Glycerol / chemistry
  • Glycerol / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Lipids / chemical synthesis
  • Lipids / chemistry*
  • Porifera / metabolism
  • Rhodophyta / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antimetabolites
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Fatty Acids
  • Lipids
  • Glycerol