Synthesis Unit

The lipidomics synthesis unit is dedicated to the synthesis of sphingolipids and analogs. This laboratory is fully equipped with two hoods for organic chemical synthesis. A separate room for radioactive synthesis is set up with a special hood equipped with a Bioscan TLC plate reader. The synthesis unit also has access to the NMR Facility at MUSC as well as a fully equipped tissue culture room and dedicated office space.

The Synthesis Unit Provides

• Total synthesis of natural sphingolipids (four isomers for each sphingolipid) from the chiral precursors.
• Design and synthesis of various inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolizing enzymes.
• Design and synthesis of organelle-targeted Cers and inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolizing enzymes.
• Design and synthesis of molecular tools for metabolic studies: radiolabeled, fluorescent, and 17C sphingolipids (containing an unnatural 17C-sphingoid backbone).
• Design and synthesis of molecular tools for determination of enzymatic activities.

Synthetic Development & Compound Classification

Synthetic development and compound classification are based on the recognition of key sphingolipid enzymes.

Chemical Structures (PDF)

Services and Pricing

The lipidomics synthesis unit provides compounds for collaborative research and compounds for services priced on a customized basis per project. Please contact Zdzislaw Szulc, Ph.D., regarding pricing for your project.

Contacts