The emerging role of the sigma-1 receptor in autophagy: hand-in-hand targets for the treatment of Alzheimer’s

Introduction
Autophagy is a cellular catabolic mechanism that helps clear damaged cellular components and is essential for normal cellular and tissue function. The sigma-1 receptor (σ-1R) is a chaperone protein involved in signal transduction, neurite outgrowth, and plasticity, improving memory and neuroprotection. Recent evidence shows that σ-1R can promote autophagy. Autophagy activation by the σ-1Rs, along with other neuroprotective effects, makes it an interesting target for treating Alzheimer’s disease. AF710B, T-817 MA, and ANAVEX2-73 ar…