The androgen receptor is a protein found in the nucleus of certain cells, to which the male hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) bind. This receptor is normally found in the male urogenital system and in the areas where men normally grow hair.
The union of male hormones with the androgen receptor occurs thanks to the structural complementarity between these molecules, as in a lock and key system. This binding leads to a series of chemical reactions that culminate in the expression of certain genes.
In the case of prostate cancer, this expression translates into cell proliferation. Thus, it is said that prostate cancer is dependent on male hormones for its development and progression, which is why hormone therapy is used in the treatment of this cancer. In some cases, prostate cancer can become independent of the stimulation of these hormones, among other causes by changes in the androgen receptor.
To learn more about prostate cancer, see the “Prostate Cancer” section.
To learn more about hormone therapy, see the “Frequently Asked Questions – Hormone Therapy” section.
