POPE, or 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, is a semi-synthetic lipid derived from the conjugation of palmitic and oleic acids with glycerol and ethanolamine. This specific molecular composition imparts distinctive characteristics to POPE, making it a valuable asset in membrane studies, particularly in investigations involving lipid bilayer dynamics, membrane protein interactions, and cellular processes.

• Palmitic and Oleic Acid Derivation: Synthesized from a combination of palmitic and oleic acids, POPE bears a unique blend of saturated and unsaturated acyl chains.

• Glycerol and Ethanolamine Backbone: POPE is structured with a glycerol backbone esterified with palmitic and oleic acids, and a phosphoethanolamine headgroup. This composition contributes to its amphiphilic nature.

• Biophysical Flexibility: The combination of saturated and unsaturated acyl chains imparts biophysical flexibility to POPE, allowing it to exist in various lipid phases.

Applications in Membrane Protein Research:

• Amphiphilic Nature for Membrane Mimicry: POPE's amphiphilic structure allows it to mimic natural lipid bilayers, providing a physiologically relevant environment for studying membrane proteins.

• Biophysical Studies: POPE is widely employed in biophysical studies, serving as a versatile model lipid for investigations into membrane properties, phase behavior, and lipid-protein interactions.

• Cellular Process Exploration: Due to its relevance in cellular membranes, POPE finds applications in understanding cellular processes, contributing to research in cell biology and biochemistry.