Stereoconfiguration of anteiso-fatty biosynthesized from DL-isoleucine in rat skin.

Isoleucine (Ile) is a precursor for the biosynthesis of anteiso-fatty acids in rat skin, and among the four possible stereoisomers of Ile, L-Ile, and L-allo-Ile were selectively used for biosynthesis of anteiso-fatty acids. This study examined the optical rotation of anteiso-fatty acid derived from DL-Ile to ascertain its stereoconfiguration. Specific rotation of anteiso-fatty acid derived from DL-Ile favorably compared with that derived from L-Ile, suggesting the selective biosynthesis of the (S)-enantiomer of anteiso-fatty acid in rat skin.