The androgen receptor (AR) is a 110 kDa androgen-dependent transcription factor that is a member of the steroid/nuclear receptor gene superfamily. The AR signaling pathway plays a key role in development and function of male reproductive organs, including the prostate and epididymis. AR also plays a role in nonreproductive organs, such as muscle, hair follicles, and brain. Abnormalities in the AR signaling pathway have been linked to a number of diseases, including prostate cancer, Kennedy's disease and male infertility. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating AR activity through phosphorylation of AR at Ser213/210 and Ser791/790. Growth factors or cytokines may induce phosphorylation of AR through the PI3K/Akt pathway. Activation of the PI3K/AKt pathway is thought to have a survival role in prostate cancer by protecting cells from apoptosis.Synonyms: DHTR, Dihydrotestosterone receptor, NR3C4, Nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 4