Androgen Receptors And Their Biology

The document from January 1, 2001, provides an overview of the biology of androgen receptors (AR) and their role in various conditions and diseases. It explains that ARs are transcription factors that mediate the effects of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in tissues, including the prostate, testis, and skin. The AR gene, located on the X chromosome, has polymorphic CAG and GGC sequences that may influence receptor function and disease development. The document discusses the role of AR in male genitourinary development, androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), and prostate cancer, noting that AR mutations can lead to AIS and may provide a growth advantage to prostate tumors, especially under androgen ablation therapy. It also mentions that AR mutations are more common in advanced stages of prostate cancer and metastatic disease. Additionally, the document touches on the involvement of AR in skin conditions like acne and hair growth regulation, such as in male pattern baldness. It concludes that the androgen receptor is crucial for development and function in health and disease, with molecular biology advances enhancing our understanding of AR's role in the body. The document does not provide specific data on the number of people studied or experimental results.