Research advances in neuroprotective role of sigma-1 receptor in retina

Retinal degenerative diseases are a major contributor to visual impairment worldwide, and research related to retinal degenerative diseases is increasingly becoming a hot topic.The sigma-1 receptor is a 223-amino-acid endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein, and its gene sequence is highly conserved throughout mammals.Sigma-1 receptors are widely distributed in various tissues and organs.Numerous studies have proved the protective role of sigma-1 receptors in retinal pathological processes, including anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory response, and anti-apoptosis.In addition, sigma-1 receptors have potential therapeutic roles in retinal diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and glaucomatous neuropathy.In this paper, the molecular mechanisms of sigma-1 receptor-mediated retinal neuroprotection and its application in the treatment of retinal diseases were reviewed.