Elaidic Acid

Elaidic Acid (CAS No.: 112-79-8) is a trans-configured unsaturated fatty acid widely distributed in natural and industrial lipid sources, commonly classified within long-chain fatty acids and frequently utilized as a reference compound in lipid metabolism and disease modeling studies. Functionally, it has been employed in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, including as a precursor for oleate derivatives and as a solvent component, while in biomedical research it is recognized for its modulatory effects on cellular signaling and metabolic pathways. Mechanistically, elaidic acid has been shown to influence oncogenic processes by activating the Wnt/ERK1/2 signaling axis, thereby enhancing stem-like properties of colorectal cancer cells and promoting proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to apoptosis. In addition, it exerts metabolic effects by reducing basal glucose uptake in muscle cells and adipocytes, implicating its role in insulin resistance and energy homeostasis. Elaidic acid also displays antimicrobial-modulatory activity, including inhibition of Lactobacillus growth and alteration of bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity, suggesting interactions with membrane dynamics. In vitro studies typically report biological activity in the micromolar concentration range, consistent with other bioactive fatty acids, although precise potency may vary depending on cell type and assay conditions. As a research tool, elaidic acid is broadly applied in studies of cancer biology, metabolic disorders, microbiome interactions, and lipid signaling, with experimental concentrations tailored to specific cellular or in vivo models to investigate its diverse physiological and pathological effects.