The Role of Sigma 1 Receptor as a Neuroprotective Target in Glaucoma.

The role of sigma 1 receptor (S1R) in glaucoma is emerging as a promising field of study. Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that shares common pathogenic mechanisms with other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease . S1R modulates multiple cellular functions associated with neurodegeneration . These include Ca2+ ion homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress , survival signaling pathways, neurotrophin secretion, and glial activation. S1R may also have neurorestorative properties including enhancement of neuronal plasticity and neurite outgrowth. Recent studies using agonists for S1R within the eye provide hope that it could be a therapeutic target for glaucoma. Understanding the role of S1R in glaucoma may help us to stop the progression of this sight threatening disease.