Abstract

Although several pieces of information are still missing about sigma-2 (σ2) receptor, the production of high affinity σ2 receptor ligands allowed important acquisitions. Morphans such as CB64D and CB184 were the first truly σ2-selective ligands synthesized, and their use in cell cultures highlighted the relationship between σ2 receptors and cell proliferation, shedding light on important diagnostic and therapeutic potentials with which σ2 ligands are endowed. The most significant classes of compounds are herein discussed. The design and Structure-Affinity Relationship studies (SAfiR) of σ2 receptor ligands belonging to the classes of morphans, indoles (siramesine analogues), granatanes, flexible benzamides and N-cyclohexylpiperazines are reported, together with the biological results which these compounds provided giving a crucial contribution to the σ2 receptor research. The pharmacophore models which were generated on the basis of different classes of the σ2 ligands and the attempts for σ2 receptor purification are briefly described.

Keywords: Sigma-2 receptors, sigma-2 receptor ligands, structure-affinity relationships, morphans, indoles, granatanes, flexible benzamides, N-cyclohexylpiperazines, pharmacophore models, σ2 receptor purification