Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP)

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP), also known as lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA), is a unique anionic phospholipid primarily localized to the internal membranes of late endosomes and lysosomes (PubChem, CID 11243918). It plays a critical role in endosomal membrane dynamics, including the formation of intraluminal vesicles and the regulation of cholesterol transport (Nature Communications, 2021). In the context of drug delivery, BMP is a key target for ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs); the interaction between cationic/ionizable lipids and the anionic BMP promotes the transition of the endosomal membrane into an inverted hexagonal phase, facilitating the escape of therapeutic cargo (such as mRNA) into the cytoplasm (Molecular Therapy, 2022). Additionally, BMP is involved in the entry of several enveloped viruses, such as Ebola and SARS-CoV-2, making it a potential target for antiviral therapies (Cell Host & Microbe, 2020). Alterations in BMP levels are also associated with lysosomal storage disorders, such as Niemann-Pick disease type C, where it serves as a potential biomarker (Journal of Lipid Research, 2019). BMP is also implicated in cancer progression through its role in exosome biogenesis and secretion (Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2020).

Other names

Lysobisphosphatidic acidLBPABis(monoacylglyceryl) phosphateEndosomal anionic phospholipids

Ionizable lipids in nanoparticles become protonated in the acidic endosomal environment and form ion pairs with anionic phospholipids like BMP, leading to membrane destabilization and endosomal escape of the therapeutic cargo.