Synthesis and evaluation of human 6-hydroxyceramides

Title of the Master thesis: Synthesis and evaluation of human 6-hydroxyceramides Candidate: Adam Majcher Supervisor: PharmDr. Lukáš Opálka, Ph.D. Consultant: PharmDr. Andrej Kováčik, Ph.D. Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Skin Barrier Research Group, Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Ceramides (Cer), the members of sphingolipid family, occur in all human cells and play an important role in cell signaling. In high concentrations, Cer can also be found in the uppermost layer of epidermis called stratum corneum, along with free fatty acids and cholesterol (in equimolar ratio), where they form the intercellular multi-lamellar lipid matrix. The key function of stratum corneum is to ensure a permeability barrier, thus, to provide water and electrolyte homeostasis, and to prevent entry of harmful substances into the organism. Cer are composed of a sphingoid base and an acyl part derived from a long-chain fatty acid. Cer based on 6-hydroxysphingosine (H) are amongst the most unusual sphingolipids. In contrast to sphingosine-based Cer, 6-hydroxysphingosine-based Cer (H-Cer) are unique for the epidermis and, in addition, H-Cer are not typical for all mammals. Moreover, the function and biosynthesis of H-Cer in the skin is still not completely understood. Several..