Recent advances in androgen receptor action

Androgens, principally testosterone and 5alpha-di-hydrotestosterone, play critical roles in the development and growth of the male reproductive and nonreproductive systems. Their biological actions are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. These androgen-AR complexes interact with various factors (e.g. coactivators or corepressors) to modulate transcription of androgen target genes via specific DNA sequences. Many lines of evidence have also correlated AR with several mammalian disorders. Finally, recent advances in molecular biology have significantly impacted our knowledge of the role of AR in mammals. The aim of this review is to present recent emerging aspects of AR action.