Technical Articles

Erythropoietin is the primary factor regulating erythropoiesis in mammals and belongs to the glycoprotein hormone family. In adult humans, approximately 90% of erythropoietin is synthesized in the kidneys, produced by peritubular interstitial cells and secreted into the bloodstream.

Erythropoietin is a sialic acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 30-34 kDa, traditionally defined as a classic hematopoietic growth factor specifically produced by the kidneys, which acts in a hormonal manner on the bone marrow to dominate erythropoiesis.

EPO is a cytokine with complex and potent functions. The in-depth understanding of its mechanisms has not only driven innovations in anemia treatment but has also opened up new perspectives for treating neurological diseases and comprehending tumor biology. In the future, developing EPO drugs with higher tissue specificity will be a crucial direction for achieving precision medicine.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a classic glycoprotein hormone whose core function in regulating erythropoiesis is well-established. However, recent studies have revealed the broad expression of EPO and its receptor (EPOR) in various non-hematopoietic tissues, endowing it with more complex physiological and pathological significance. This article will provide an in-depth technical analysis of the molecular biology of the EPO/EPOR signaling pathway, systematically elaborate its dual roles in anemia, cancer, neural injury, and kidney diseases, and discuss the advances and challenges in related therapeutic strategies.