Erythropoietin (EPO) is the major glycoprotein hormone regulator of mammalian erythropoiesis, and is produced by kidney and liver in an oxygen-dependent manner. The biological effects of EPO are mediated by the specific erythropoietin receptor (EPOR/EPO Receptor) on bone marrow erythroblasts, which transmits signals important for both proliferation and differentiation along the erythroid lineage. EPOR protein is a type â… single-transmembrane cytokine receptor, and belongs to the homodimerizing subclass which functions as ligand-induced or ligand-stabilized homodimers. EPOR signaling prevents neuronal death and ischemic injury. Recent studies have shown that EPO and EPOR protein may be involved in carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, and invasion.
