Collection of Polyprenols

The Collection of Polyprenols of IBB PAS, established in 1983, offers a unique set of natural isoprenoid metabolites (terpenes) and their semisynthetic derivatives (e.g. aldehydes, phosphates, prenylammonium salts). In addition to polyprenols and dolichols, also oligoterpenes are available in the Collection. These compounds can be used as standards in qualitative and quantitative analyses or as substrates in biochemical and structural studies.

The Collection of Polyprenols also offers support and consultation on analytical and preparative methods applied in research using materials from the Collection.

Anyone interested in isoprenoids is invited to contact Dr Karolina Skorupińska-Tudek (karolina@ibb.waw.pl).

ISOPRENOIDS

Isoprenoids are found in every living cell and have various biological functions. Polyisoprenoids (polyprenols and dolichols) – long-chain linear isoprenoid polymers – are involved in many cellular processes. Among others, they are cofactors in protein glycosylation, GPI anchor synthesis and the synthesis of bacterial cell wall polymers. Polyisoprenoids also act as modulators of the physico-chemical properties of cell membranes. Dolichol deficiency in humans leads to CDG (Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation) diseases. In plants, a shortage of some polyisoprenoids is lethal, while the absence of others reduces the tolerance of plants to elevated temperatures. Therefore, the compounds offered by the Collection of Polyprenols support research into basic life processes.

Thanks to our expertise and the accumulation of a unique collection of isoprenoid substances, which are available to interested laboratories within the framework of scientific cooperation, IBB PAS is a reference center in the field of polyisoprenoids.