Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein cytokine and hormone and belongs to the type I cytokine superfamily. It undergoes posttranslational modifications and exists as 18 and 30 kDa molecular weight forms. It is mapped to human chromosome 7q22.

Erythropoietin human has been used:

• as a component of cardiac stem cell medium
• to test its neuroprotective effect on diabetic mice
• to test its effect on hippocampal synapses in mice

Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein that is the principal regulator of red blood cell growth and differentiation.

Erythropoietin (EPO) elicits antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and tissue protective functions. EPO is essential for maintaining red blood progenitor cells. It is used for treating hematological disorders and in perioperative therapies. A homozygous mutation in EPO gene obstructs its interaction with receptor and the signaling cascade resulting in severe anemia. Elevated levels of EPO due to mutations is implicated in the pathogenesis of familial erythrocytosis.

Lyophilized as 10 units EPO, 10 mg trisodium citrate and 10 mg NaCl at pH ≅7.0.

The biological activity is assayed in tissue culture using mouse fetal liver cells.