What is the Origin of Genomic Androgen Action?

This concept is a core tenet of steroid hormone biology, established through foundational molecular endocrinology research that elucidated the nuclear receptor superfamily and their mechanism of action. The term genomic explicitly defines this mechanism as one that involves the direct modulation of the genome.

What is the Mechanism of Genomic Androgen Action?

The mechanism initiates with the lipophilic androgen diffusing across the cell membrane and binding to the cytosolic or nuclear Androgen Receptor (AR), causing a conformational change and receptor dimerization. This activated complex then binds to the Androgen Response Elements (AREs) located in the promoter regions of target genes, thereby enhancing or repressing the rate of messenger RNA transcription. The resulting change in protein synthesis mediates the long-term, profound physiological effects characteristic of androgenic hormones on target tissues.

Genomic Androgen Action ∞ Area

Genomic Androgen Action

Meaning

Genomic Androgen Action describes the classic, slower-acting mechanism by which androgen hormones, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), exert their biological effects by directly influencing gene transcription within the cell nucleus. This process involves the androgen binding to its specific intracellular receptor, which then translocates to the nucleus to bind to DNA sequences known as androgen response elements. This fundamental endocrine pathway regulates the synthesis of new proteins responsible for male sexual development, muscle mass maintenance, and bone density.