Evaluation of a First PET Tracer Suitable for Imaging the Sigma-2 Receptor in the Brain of Nonhuman Primates

The sigma-2 receptor (sigma 2R), recently identified as transmembrane protein 97, is expressed in many cell types and mediates important functions in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Over the years, sigma 2R has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for cancer and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The currently available sigma 2R radiotracers have been developed primarily for cancer imaging with limited brain uptake. Here, we report the evaluation of the first brain penetrant F-18-labeled radiotracer suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of sigma 2R in nonhuman primate brain.