Androgen (AR) signaling is the main signaling for the development of the prostate
and its normal functioning. AR is highly specific for testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, significantly
contributing to prostate development, physiology, and cancer. All these receptors
have emerged as crucial therapeutic targets for PCa. In the year 1966, the Noble prize was
awarded to Huggins and Hodge for their groundbreaking discovery of AR. As it is a pioneer
transcription factor, it belongs to the steroid hormone receptor family and consists of domains,
including DNA binding domain (DBD), hormone response elements (HRE), C-terminal ligand
binding domain (LBD), and N-terminal regulatory domains. Structural variations in AR, such as
AR gene amplification, LBD mutations, alternative splicing of exons, hypermethylation of AR,
and co- regulators, are major contributors to PCa. It’s signaling is crucial for the development
and functioning of the prostate gland, with the AR being the key player. The specificity of AR
for testosterone and dihydrotestosterone is important in prostate physiology. However, when it
is dysregulated, AR contributes significantly to PCa. However, the structural variations in AR,
such as gene amplification, mutations, alternative splicing, and epigenetic modifications, drive
the PCa progression. Therefore, understanding AR function and dysregulation is essential for
developing effective therapeutic strategies. Thus, the aim of this review was to examine how
AR was initially pivotal for prostate development and how it turned out to show both positive
and detrimental implications for the prostate.