phenylalanine methyl ester

Phenylalanine methyl ester (PME) is a lysosomotropic small molecule used primarily as a research tool to study lysosomal function and to selectively deplete specific immune cells, such as monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. As a methyl ester of the amino acid L-phenylalanine, it readily crosses cell membranes and enters lysosomes, where it is hydrolyzed by lysosomal esterases. The resulting accumulation of phenylalanine within the lysosome causes osmotic swelling and membrane rupture, a process known as lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). This mechanism has been explored in oncology research for its ability to trigger apoptosis or sensitize cancer cells to other chemotherapeutic agents, such as procyanidins, by releasing lysosomal proteases into the cytosol. While not an FDA-approved drug, it is a standard reagent in experimental immunology and cancer biology.

Other names

L-phenylalanine methyl estermethyl L-phenylalaninateL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride