Human Erythropoietin (EPO) Recombinant Protein

Description: Erythropoietin (EPO) protein is a growth factor essential for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of erythroid precursors. EPO is not responsible for early commitment to the lineage, and instead induces the final maturation of partially differentiated erythroid cells and the production of red cell-specific proteins, such as hemoglobin. The EPO receptor (EPOR) is present in higher levels on precursor cells, and expression diminishes with cell maturation.

Hepatocytes are the main source of EPO in the fetus, followed by interstitial cells of the kidney after birth and through adulthood. EPO expression is upregulated during hypoxia, and low levels of transcription have also been detected in lung and brain tissue under these conditions. Recent data suggest that EPO may also play a role in the protection of neuronal tissue from damage and initiation of repair.

References: Bunn HF. Erythropoietin: current status. Yale J Biol Med. 1990 Sep-Oct; 63(5): 381-6

Lacombe C, Mayeux P. Biology of erythropoietin. Haematologica, 1998 Aug; 83(8): 724-32.

Sanchez PE, Fares RP, Risso JJ, Bonnet C, Bouvard S, Le-Cavorsin M, Georges B, Moulin C, Belmenquenai A, Bodennec J, Morales A, Pequignot JM, Baulieu EE, Levine RA, Bezin L. Optimal neuroprotection by erythropoietin requires elevated expression of its receptor in neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009 Jun 16; 106(24): 9848-53.