The sigma-1 receptor (σ1R), one of two sigma receptor subtypes, is a chaperone protein at the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) that modulates calcium signaling through the IP3 receptor. In humans, the sigma-1 receptor is encoded by the SIGMAR1 gene.
The sigma-1 receptor is a transmembrane protein expressed in many different tissue types. It is particularly concentrated in certain regions of the central nervous system. It has been implicated in myriad phenomena, including cardiovascular function, schizophrenia, clinical depression, the effects of cocaine abuse, and cancer. Much is known about the binding affinity of hundreds of synthetic compounds to the sigma-1 receptor.
An endogenous ligand for the sigma-1 receptor has yet to be conclusively identified, but the trace amine and hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT), as well as neuroactive steroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone, can all activate the receptor.
Read more about Sigma-1 Receptor: Characteristics, Structure, Functions, Knockout Mice, Ligands, See Also
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