Androgen receptor (AR) antibodies are critical tools in studying the role of the androgen receptor, a nuclear receptor superfamily protein that mediates the effects of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. The AR is essential for male sexual development, prostate function, and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics. Dysregulation of AR signaling is implicated in pathologies such as prostate cancer, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome. AR antibodies enable researchers to detect, quantify, and localize AR expression in tissues or cells, providing insights into its biological and pathological roles.
In research, AR antibodies are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study AR expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions with co-regulators. Clinically, they aid in diagnosing AR-related disorders and assessing prostate cancer progression. For instance, elevated AR levels or mutations detected via these antibodies may correlate with resistance to androgen-deprivation therapies. Additionally, AR splice variants (e.g., AR-V7), identified using variant-specific antibodies, are biomarkers for predicting treatment response in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The development of AR-targeted therapies, such as AR antagonists (e.g., enzalutamide) and degraders, has further driven the need for reliable AR antibodies to evaluate drug efficacy and mechanism. Moreover, studies on post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation) of AR, detectable through modification-specific antibodies, help unravel regulatory mechanisms influencing AR activity. As precision oncology advances, AR antibodies remain pivotal in stratifying patients for tailored therapies and advancing understanding of androgen-driven diseases.