Androgen receptor. Molecular model of the DNA-binding region of an androgen receptor (purple and brown) complexed with DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, turquoise and red). Androgen receptors are nuclear receptors that are activated by binding of either of the androgenic (male sex) hormones testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. Binding of the hormones to the androgen receptor translocates it to the nucleus where it binds DNA to switch on genes that code for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.