Cloning of Human Androgen Receptor Complementary DNA and Localization to the X Chromosome

TLDR

The androgen receptor mediates male sex steroid actions. Human AR genomic DNA was cloned from a flow‑sorted X chromosome library using a consensus DNA‑binding domain sequence, and the resulting cDNA was expressed in COS cells to produce a high‑affinity androgen‑binding protein matching native AR specificity. The AR gene was mapped to the human X chromosome between the centromere and q13, a predominant 9.6‑kb mRNA is present in AR‑positive tissues but absent in AR‑negative tissues, and its DNA‑binding domain shows highest identity with the progesterone receptor.

Abstract

The androgen receptor (AR) mediates the actions of male sex steroids. Human AR genomic DNA was cloned from a flow-sorted human X chromosome library by using a consensus nucleotide sequence from the DNA-binding domain of the family of nuclear receptors. The AR gene was localized on the human X chromosome between the centromere and q13. Cloned complementary DNA, selected with an AR-specific oligonucleotide probe, was expressed in monkey kidney (COS) cells and yielded a high-affinity androgen-binding protein with steroid-binding specificity corresponding to that of native AR. A predominant messenger RNA species of 9.6 kilobases was identified in human, rat, and mouse tissues known to contain AR and was undetectable in tissues lacking AR androgen-binding activity, including kidney and liver from androgen-insensitive mice. The deduced amino acid sequence of AR within the DNA-binding domain has highest sequence identity with the progesterone receptor.