Pharmacological and Pathological Implications of Sigma-1 Receptor in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Originally identified as a potential receptor for opioids, sigma-1 receptor is a class of intracellular receptors expressed in various tissues including neurons. As a resident protein in the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, sigma-1 receptor has been found involved in various biological and disease processes including stress responses, neurotransmission, and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein we discuss the history, structure, functions, and pharmacology of sigma-1 receptor and its pathological implications in neurodegenerative diseases.