EPOR : erythropoietin receptor
Description
The EPOR (erythropoietin receptor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
The EPOR gene provides instructions for making a protein called the erythropoietin receptor. Erythropoietin is a hormone that directs the production of new red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bone marrow. Red blood cells make up about half of total blood volume, and their primary function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body. New red blood cells are constantly being produced by the body as worn-out red blood cells are broken down. To trigger the production of red blood cells, erythropoietin attaches (binds) to the erythropoietin receptor. This binding turns on (activates) the receptor, which stimulates several signaling pathways (particularly a cascade of signals known as the JAK/STAT pathway) that lead to the formation and maturation of red blood cells.
The erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) binds to the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) and triggers a signaling cascade that promotes the proliferation and differentiation of erythroblasts, leading to the production of red blood cells. Upon EPO stimulation, EPOR dimerizes, activating the JAK2/STAT5 pathway. In some cell types, it can also activate STAT1 and STAT3. EPOR may also activate the LYN tyrosine kinase.
EPOR is also known as EPO-R.
