Multi-Target Directed Ligands (MTDLs) Binding the σ1 Receptor as Promising Therapeutics: State of the Art and Perspectives

The sigma-1 (sigma(1)) receptor is a 'pluripotent chaperone' protein mainly expressed at the mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum membrane interfaces where it interacts with several client proteins. This feature renders the sigma(1) receptor an ideal target for the development of multifunctional ligands, whose benefits are now recognized because several pathologies are multifactorial. Indeed, the current therapeutic regimens are based on the administration of different classes of drugs in order to counteract the diverse unbalanced physiological pathways associated with the pathology. Thus, the multi-targeted directed ligand (MTDL) approach, with one molecule that exerts poly-pharmacological actions, may be a winning strategy that overcomes the pharmacokinetic issues linked to the administration of diverse drugs. This review aims to point out the progress in the development of MTDLs directed toward sigma(1) receptors for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) and cancer diseases, with a focus on the perspectives that are proper for this strategy. The evidence that some drugs in clinical use unintentionally bind the sigma(1) protein (as off-target) provides a proof of concept of the potential of this strategy, and it strongly supports the promise that the sigma(1) receptor holds as a target to be hit in the context of MTDLs for the therapy of multifactorial pathologies.

Automated summary

The sigma-1 receptor is a pluripotent chaperone protein that interacts with several client proteins at the mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum membrane interfaces. Developing multifunctional ligands targeting sigma-1 receptors may be a successful strategy in overcoming pharmacokinetic issues associated with the administration of diverse drugs. The evidence of unintentional binding between some clinically used drugs and sigma-1 protein supports the potential of targeting sigma-1 receptors with MTDLs for the treatment of multifactorial pathologies.