The hidden role of the Sigma1 receptor in muscle cells

Abstract

This review describes the very specific role of Sigma1 receptor in different types of muscle cells. Sigma1 receptor is a transmembrane protein residing in such structures like MAM. It has chaperoning activity supporting function of many proteins, particularly ion channels, including Ca²⁺ channels. This latter function is of particular meaning for muscle cells, due to their calcium-based/regulated metabolism. Here we discuss new reports pointing to participation of Sigma1 receptor in muscle specific processes like contraction, EC-coupling, calcium currents and in diseases like left ventricular hypertrophy, transverse aortic stenosis and hypertension-induced heart dysfunction.

Keywords:

• Sigma1 receptor
• calcium
• muscle cell
• cardiomyocytes
• mitochondria
• endoplasmic reticulum

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).