Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate as a Macrophage Enriched Phospholipid.

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) is a structural isomer of phosphatidylglycerol (PtdGro) with an unusual sn-1:sn-1' fatty acyl configuration and is found almost exclusively in late endosomes/lysosomes. BMP comprises only about 1-2% of the total phospholipids in most mammalian cells, but accumulates in tissues of humans and animals with lysosomal storage disorders including the gangliosidoses. Total BMP content was significantly greater in cells of macrophage/microglial origin than in cells of macroglial origin.

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate: a secondary storage lipid in the gangliosidoses.

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) is a negatively charged glycerophospholipid with an unusual sn-1;sn-1' structural configuration. BMP is primarily enriched in endosomal/lysosomal membranes. BMP is thought to play a role in glycosphingolipid degradation and cholesterol transport.

Hypothesis: are neoplastic macrophages/microglia present in glioblastoma multiforme?

Most malignant brain tumours contain various numbers of cells with characteristics of activated or dysmorphic macrophages/microglia. These cells are generally considered part of the tumour stroma and are often described as TAM (tumour-associated macrophages). These types of cells are thought to either enhance or inhibit brain tumour progression.