Ar - androgen receptor

This gene encodes a nuclear hormone receptor containing zinc finger and DNA-binding domains. The encoded protein is a key regulator of signalling by androgens, a class of steroid hormones involved in male reproductive development. The protein responds to hormone signalling by translocating to the nucleus, forming dimers, and binding to androgen response elements (AREs) in the promoters of target genes, which are subsequently transcriptionally activated. Activity of this protein is negatively regulated by nuclear receptor subfamily 0 group B member 1 (Nr0b1, also known as Dax1). Mutations in this gene result in feminized genitals and infertility in male animals. Loss of function in female animals also causes problems in reproductive development and function. [provided by RefSeq, May 2015]