Inositolphosphoglycan Mediators: An Effective Synthesis of the Conserved Linear GPI Anchor Structure*

* Dedicated to the memory of Professor Jacques H. van Boom.

Abstract

An effective new preparative synthesis of the conserved linear pseudopentasaccharide structure of the GPI anchors and of the full GPI structure has been carried out that has permitted obtaining both molecules in sufficient quantities as to perform further structural and biologic studies. The synthesis involves a 3+2 block synthesis strategy in which a conveniently protected Man α(1→4) GlcN₃ α(1→6) myo‐Ins building block, previously used in the synthesis of inositolphosphoglycan (IPG) mediators, is glycosylated with a protected Man α(1→2) Man trichloroacetimidate.

* Dedicated to the memory of Professor Jacques H. van Boom.

Keywords:

• Insositolphosphoglycan mediators
• Glycosylphosphatidyl inositol
• Oligosaccharides synthesis

Acknowledgments

We thank the Ministry of Science and Technology (Grant BQU 2002‐03734) and Rodaris Pharmaceuticals for financial support.

Notes

* Dedicated to the memory of Professor Jacques H. van Boom.