AIS (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome) is a genetic condition that affects individuals who are born with a mutated gene on the X chromosome. This mutated gene affects the body's ability to respond to androgens, which are hormones responsible for the development of male physical characteristics. Individuals with AIS are often thought to lack testosterone receptors, but this is not the case.
AIS individuals do not lack testosterone receptors. Instead, the receptors are present but non-functional due to the mutated gene. This means that testosterone is still produced, but it cannot bind to the receptors and therefore cannot trigger the development of male physical characteristics.
Even though testosterone receptors are present in AIS individuals, they cannot make use of it. This lack of functional testosterone receptors leads to the development of female physical characteristics. This includes the lack of male-pattern hair growth, a lack of facial hair, the development of breast tissue, and an inability to produce sperm.
While AIS individuals do not lack testosterone receptors, they cannot benefit from the effects of testosterone due to the mutated gene. This means that they cannot produce male physical characteristics, even with testosterone supplementation. The lack of functional testosterone receptors means that AIS individuals will never experience the full effects of testosterone, including muscle growth, increased libido, and improved athletic performance.