SIGMA RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
-
Sigma receptors are a class of proteins primarily found in the central nervous system (CNS) that have been implicated in various physiological processes and pathological conditions. They were initially identified as binding sites for certain drugs, such as the hallucinogenic plant compound phencyclidine (PCP) and related drugs like ketamine.
From a structural standpoint, sigma receptors belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. There are two main subtypes: sigma-1 (σ1) and sigma-2 (σ2) receptors, which share limited sequence homology. Sigma-1 receptors are mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of cells, while sigma-2 receptors are primarily found in the plasma membrane and mitochondria.
Sigma receptors play a role in regulating various physiological processes, including neurotransmitter release, ion channel function, and neuronal excitability. They have also been implicated in neuroprotection, pain modulation, and drug addiction. Aberrant activation or dysfunction of sigma receptors has been associated with various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease.
Due to their involvement in different diseases, sigma receptors have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for drug development. Selective ligands that bind to sigma receptors have been developed and studied for their potential use in treating various conditions.
In conclusion, sigma receptors are a class of proteins involved in various physiological and pathological processes in the CNS. They have been implicated in neurotransmission, neuroprotection, and disease pathology, and are thus a subject of significant interest for research and drug development.
Common Misspellings for SIGMA RECEPTOR
- aigma receptor
- zigma receptor
- xigma receptor
- digma receptor
- eigma receptor
- wigma receptor
- sugma receptor
- sjgma receptor
- skgma receptor
- sogma receptor
- s9gma receptor
- s8gma receptor
- sifma receptor
- sivma receptor
- sibma receptor
- sihma receptor
- siyma receptor
- sitma receptor
- signa receptor
- sigka receptor
Etymology of SIGMA RECEPTOR
The word "sigma receptor" originates from the Greek letter "sigma" (Σ), which is the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. In the context of receptor naming, sigma receptors were first discovered and named based on their affinity for certain psychoactive compounds, particularly the hallucinogen PCP (phencyclidine). Researchers initially referred to this new class of receptors as "PCP receptors" or "PCP binding sites".
However, later studies revealed that these receptors were not solely responsive to PCP but had a broader range of ligands. To avoid confusion and to give a more general name to this receptor class, it was eventually renamed as "sigma receptors". The choice of the Greek letter "sigma" likely indicates an unknown or uncertain receptor function, similar to how the Greek letter is often used to represent an unspecified sum in mathematics or statistics.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
