androgen receptor

Definition of androgen receptor

androgen receptor

(AN-droh-jen reh-SEP-ter)
A protein that binds male hormones called androgens. Androgen receptors are found inside the cells of male reproductive tissue, some other types of tissue, and some cancer cells. In prostate cancer, androgens bind to androgen receptors inside the cancer cells, which causes the cancer cells to grow. Also called AR.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms