Abstract: Androgen receptors(AR) have an important function in the development and progression of prostate cancer.Androgen deprivation therapy(ADT) is successful in suppressing prostate tumor growth; however, the therapy eventually fails, leading to recurrent tumor growth in a hormone-refractory manner.Recent studies indicate that AR acts as a proliferation stimulator for prostatic stromal cells, whereas epithelial AR functions as a survival factor for luminal cells and a suppressor for tumor stem-like cells and epithelial basal cells proliferation.The varying functions of different AR cell types present a severe challenge for current ADT, but provide important bases for treatment strategies.Significant progress has been achieved in targeted therapy for prostate cancer through AR.This article reviews the research developments in the role of AR in the different types of prostate cancer cells and in targeted therapy.