Role of androgens and androgen receptor in control of mitochondrial function

The effects of androgens have been extensively studied in a variety of organs and cell types with an increasing focus on the sexually dimorphic role androgens play not only with respect to cellular functions but also in metabolism. Although the classical mechanism of androgen action is via ligand-dependent binding with the nuclear transcription factor, androgen receptor (AR), cytosolic AR can also activate second messenger signaling pathways. Given that cytosolic AR can signal in this manner, there has been increased interest in the mechanisms by which androgens may control cellular organelle function. This review highlights the effects that androgens have on mitochondrial structure and function with emphasis on biogenesis, fusion/fission, mitophagy, bioenergetics (oxidative phosphorylation), and reactive oxygen species production. There are a number of publications on the effects of androgens in these general areas of mitochondrial function. However, the precise mechanisms by which androgens cause these effects are not known. In addition, given that the nucleus and mitochondria work in tandem to control mitochondrial function and the mitochondria have their own DNA, future research efforts should focus on the direct, mechanistic effects of androgens on mitochondrial function.