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Characterization and expression of a cDNA encoding the human androgen receptor
W D Tilley1, M Marcelli, J D Wilson
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Summary
Researchers isolated a human androgen receptor cDNA, successfully expressing a functional dihydrotestosterone-binding protein in mammalian cells. This finding reveals significant sequence conservation with other steroid hormone receptors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- The androgen receptor (AR) is crucial for male sexual development and function.
- Understanding AR's structure and function is vital for studying androgen-related disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the complete human androgen receptor cDNA.
- To confirm the functional expression of the human androgen receptor in a heterologous system.
Main Methods:
- cDNA isolation and sequencing.
- Gene transfection into mammalian cells.
- Dihydrotestosterone binding assays.
Main Results:
- Isolation of a cDNA encoding a 917-amino acid protein (98,918 Da).
- Functional expression of dihydrotestosterone-binding protein in mammalian cells.
- High sequence conservation in hormone and DNA-binding domains with other steroid receptors.
Conclusions:
- The isolated cDNA encodes the functional human androgen receptor.
- Structural similarities suggest a common evolutionary origin for steroid hormone receptors.