Synthesis of sn-1 functionalized phospholipids as substrates for secretory phospholipase A₂

Secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) represents a family of small water-soluble enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipids in the sn-2 position liberating free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. Herein we report the synthesis of two new phospholipids (1 and 2) with bulky allyl-substituents attached to the sn-1 position of the glycerol backbone. The synthesis of phospholipids 1 and 2 is based upon the construction of a key aldehyde intermediate 3 which locks the stereochemistry in the sn-2 position of the final phospholipids. The aldehyde functionality serves as the site for insertion of the allyl-substituents by a zinc mediated allylation. Small unilamellar liposomes composed of phospholipids 1 and 2 were subjected to sPLA₂ activity measurements. Our results show that only phospholipid 1 is hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the lack of hydrolysis of phospholipid 2 is due to steric hindrance caused by the bulky side chain of the substrate allowing only limited access of water molecules to the active site.