SA4503 Mitigates Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy via Sigma-1 Receptor in Animal and Cell-Based Models

Background/Objectives: The Sigma-1 receptor (Sigmar1), an intracellular chaperone protein, is ubiquitously expressed throughout the body, but its role in peripheral organs, such as the kidneys, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of SA4503, a selective Sigmar1 agonist, on Adriamycin (ADR)-induced renal glomerular injury. Methods: Using in vitro and in vivo models, we evaluated the effects of SA4503 on ADR-induced podocyte injury, including podocyte survival, albumin permeability, urinary albumin levels, and Sigmar1-nephrin interactions. NE-100, a Sigmar1 antagonist, was co-administered to validate the specificity of the effects of SA4503. Results: Sigmar1 was highly expressed in podocytes and mouse kidney tissues. SA4503 significantly reduced ADR-induced podocyte injury and urinary albumin leakage in mice. Mechanistically, SA4503 preserved Sigmar1-nephrin interactions, which were disrupted in ADR-treated kidneys. This protective effect was abolished by NE-100 co-treatment, confirming the Sigmar1-dependency of SA4503's action. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the activation of Sigmar1 by SA4503 protects against ADR-induced podocyte injury and glomerular damage, likely by stabilizing Sigmar1-nephrin interactions. Therefore, Sigmar1 represents a promising therapeutic target for glomerular diseases such as nephrotic syndrome.