Genetic regulation of androgen action

Abstract

The androgen receptor (AR) belongs to the superfamily of nuclear receptors that employ complex genetic mechanisms to guide the development and physiological functions of different target tissues. Upon interaction with its cognate hormone, AR activates or represses gene transcription through association with specific DNA elements and/or proteins. This review summarize briefly our current view of androgen action, with a special emphasis on genetic factors that may modulate the response.