Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The androgen receptor is a type of nuclear receptor that binds to and mediates the effects of male sex hormones called androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. It is a key regulator of male sexual development and function.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The androgen receptor is a transcription factor that, when bound to an androgen, translocates to the nucleus and regulates the expression of target genes.
Mutations or defects in the androgen receptor gene can lead to androgen insensitivity syndrome, a condition characterized by varying degrees of impaired masculinization.
Androgen receptors are expressed in a variety of tissues, including the prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and skin, where they mediate the effects of androgens.
Androgen receptors play a critical role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive organs, as well as the regulation of male sexual behavior and secondary sexual characteristics.
The activity of the androgen receptor is modulated by various cofactors and can be influenced by factors such as age, nutrition, and environmental exposures.
Review Questions
Explain the role of the androgen receptor in the regulation of male sexual development and function.
The androgen receptor is a key regulator of male sexual development and function. When bound to androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, the androgen receptor translocates to the nucleus and acts as a transcription factor, regulating the expression of target genes involved in the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics, such as facial hair, muscle mass, and a deep voice. Defects or mutations in the androgen receptor gene can lead to androgen insensitivity syndrome, a condition characterized by varying degrees of impaired masculinization.
Describe the tissue-specific expression and functions of the androgen receptor.
Androgen receptors are expressed in a variety of tissues, including the prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and skin, where they mediate the effects of androgens. In the prostate, the androgen receptor plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the gland, while in the skin, it regulates the growth of facial and body hair. The androgen receptor also contributes to the regulation of male sexual behavior and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The activity of the androgen receptor can be modulated by various cofactors and influenced by factors such as age, nutrition, and environmental exposures.
Analyze the significance of the androgen receptor in the context of gonadal and placental hormone regulation.
The androgen receptor is a central component in the regulation of gonadal and placental hormones, particularly in the context of male sexual development and function. Gonadal hormones, such as testosterone, produced by the testes, bind to and activate the androgen receptor, which then mediates the development and maintenance of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics. Additionally, the placenta produces hormones during pregnancy that can also interact with the androgen receptor, potentially influencing fetal development and sexual differentiation. The proper functioning of the androgen receptor is crucial for ensuring normal male sexual development and the maintenance of male reproductive health, making it a key factor in the regulation of gonadal and placental hormone signaling.
Related terms
Androgen: A class of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics, such as facial hair, muscle mass, and a deep voice.
The primary male sex hormone and the most important androgen, responsible for the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): A more potent metabolite of testosterone that plays a crucial role in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.