Update of the androgen receptor gene mutations database

The current version of the androgen receptor (AR) gene mutations database i s described. The total number of reported mutations has risen from 309 to 3 74 during the past year. We have expanded the database by adding informatio n on AR-interacting proteins; and we have improved the database by identify ing those mutation entries that have been updated. Mutations of un known si gnificance have now been reported in both the 5' and 3' untranslated region s of the AR gene, and in individuals who are somatic mosaics constitutional ly. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms, including silent mutation s, have been discovered in normal individuals and in individuals with male infertility. A mutation hotspot associated with prostatic cancer has been i dentified in exon 5. The database is available on the internet (http:www.mc gill.ca/androgendb/), from EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (ftp.ebi. ac.uk/pub/databases/androgen), or as a Macintosh FilemakerPro or Word file (MC33@musica.mcgill.ca). Hum Mutat 14:103-114, 1999, (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, I nc.