Sigma-1 receptor signaling: A potential therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Strokes are a leading cause of disability, with limited treatment options beyond the acute phase.
• Current treatments for ischemic stroke are restricted to a narrow therapeutic window.
• There is a critical need for new therapeutic strategies targeting key molecular mediators in stroke pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the emerging therapeutic potential of sigma-1 receptor (S1R) modulation for ischemic stroke.
• To explore the role of S1R in regulating key pathological processes following stroke, including blood-brain barrier integrity, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing research on the sigma-1 receptor's function in cerebrovascular diseases.
• It examines the effects of S1R agonists and antagonists on molecular pathways relevant to stroke.
• The review focuses on preclinical and clinical evidence regarding S1R's impact on post-stroke recovery.

Main Results:

• The sigma-1 receptor (S1R), a chaperone protein, demonstrates neuroprotective effects.
• Modulation of S1R influences blood-brain barrier permeability and inflammatory responses post-stroke.
• S1R activity is linked to the mitigation of neurocognitive impairments.

Conclusions:

• Sigma-1 receptor agonists and antagonists represent a promising therapeutic avenue for ischemic stroke.
• Targeting S1R may offer novel strategies to combat blood-brain barrier dysfunction and neuroinflammation.
• Further research into S1R modulation could lead to improved treatments for stroke recovery and reduced disability.