SIGMA RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Sigma receptors are a group of proteins that are found in various tissues and organs within the human body. These receptors are involved in numerous physiological processes and play a crucial role in the modulation of various neurotransmitter systems. They are classified into two subtypes, sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors, both of which have distinct characteristics and functions.
Sigma-1 receptors are primarily located at the endoplasmic reticulum in the central nervous system. They are involved in regulating cellular functions such as calcium signaling, protein synthesis, and cell survival processes. Activation of sigma-1 receptors can lead to neuroprotective effects, making them a potential target for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Sigma-2 receptors, on the other hand, are primarily found in peripheral tissues including the liver, lungs, and kidneys. These receptors are involved in regulating cell growth and proliferation, and are implicated in cancer cell survival and migration. As such, sigma-2 receptor ligands are being investigated for their potential as anticancer agents.
The exact mechanisms of sigma receptor signaling are not fully understood, but they are known to interact with various cellular signaling pathways and modulate the release and reuptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
In conclusion, sigma receptors are a class of proteins that are widely distributed throughout the body and are involved in regulating various cellular processes. Their precise functions and mechanisms of action continue to be an active area of research.
Common Misspellings for SIGMA RECEPTORS
- aigma receptors
- zigma receptors
- xigma receptors
- digma receptors
- eigma receptors
- wigma receptors
- sugma receptors
- sjgma receptors
- skgma receptors
- sogma receptors
- s9gma receptors
- s8gma receptors
- sifma receptors
- sivma receptors
- sibma receptors
- sihma receptors
- siyma receptors
- sitma receptors
- signa receptors
- sigka receptors
Etymology of SIGMA RECEPTORS
The word "sigma receptors" is derived from the Greek letter sigma (Σ), which is the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. In molecular pharmacology, sigma receptors are a class of proteins found in various tissues of the body, particularly in the central nervous system. These receptors were named after sigma (Σ) due to their initial discovery and characterization using radioligand binding studies. The letter sigma (Σ) was chosen to represent these receptors for convenience and consistency with the Greek alphabet's tradition of naming molecular targets.
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