Molecular Mechanisms of Androgen Receptor Functions

The document discussed the role of androgens, specifically testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in the development and maintenance of male sex organs and their involvement in prostate abnormalities and cancer. It highlighted that non-metastatic prostate tumors were treated with radiotherapy or prostate removal, while metastatic prostate cancer treatment focused on inhibiting androgen action through chemical castration and anti-androgens. The research focused on the androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear receptor that acts as a ligand-induced transcription factor in androgen target cells. The study explored various molecular mechanisms of AR functions, including receptor structure, protein interactions, ligand-dependent interactions within the AR, expression of androgen-regulated genes, and the impact of AR mutations in prostate cancer.