Chemical Synthesis to decode the biological functions of Glycosylphosphatidyl-inositols (GPIs)

Different eukaryotic proteins are anchored to the cell membrane using Glycosylphosphatidyl-inositols (GPIs) and have diverse and essential biological functions. To date little is known about the functions of the glycolipid anchors, however by using synthetic methods, it is now possible to obtain these molecules in pure form and to gain details about their biological properties. Synthetic GPIs are useful for the differential diagnosis of acute and latent toxoplasmosis and open new fronts for the diagnosis and treatment of other diseases.