erythropoietin receptor
Last updated 18 Aug 2020
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
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.
Normal function
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.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
EPO-R
EPOR_HUMAN
Related patient information and medicines
Patient information leaflet
Can I take Alogliptin and Rybelsus together?
Taking alogliptin and Rybelsus (semaglutide) together can significantly increase the risk of your blood sugar dropping too low (hypoglycaemia). Alogliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) prevents the breakdown of natural hormones that lower blood sugar, while Rybelsus (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) mimics those same hormones. Using both is like 'doubling up' on.
Patient information leaflet
Can I take Iron supplements and Wellbutrin together?
There is no known direct interaction between iron supplements and Wellbutrin (bupropion). However, both substances can occasionally cause stomach-related side effects like nausea or constipation, which might be more noticeable if taken together. Why this happens Iron supplements and bupropion are processed by the body through different pathways..
Patient information leaflet
Oral bronchodilators
Oral bronchodilators are medicines that are sometimes used to treat breathing problems in people with asthma and other lung-related problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For example, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, and St John's wort (which can be bought from pharmacies and health food shops as a.
Patient information leaflet
Vaginal dryness
The term genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is now commonly used to describe these symptoms when they occur during the menopause; the condition has also been called vaginal atrophy, atrophic vaginitis and urogenital atrophy. Ospemifene and prasterone These are newer medications used to treat GSM - they were recommended in the November 2024.
Patient information leaflet
Breast cancer
Grade 1 - the cancer cells tend to be slow-growing and less aggressive. Grade 2 - is a middle grade. Grade 3 - the cancer cells tend to be fast-growing and more aggressive. Presence of receptors Some breast cancer cells have receptors, which allow certain types of hormones or proteins to attach to the cancer cell. The types of receptor tested for.
Patient information leaflet
Can I take Ashwagandha and Oestrogel pump-pack together?
Ashwagandha may increase the levels of oestrogen in your body, potentially making the effects of your Oestrogel stronger than intended. Why this happens Ashwagandha is thought to have 'pro-oestrogenic' properties, meaning it may stimulate oestrogen receptors or increase the production of precursors to oestrogen. When used wi... Important.
Further reading and references
- erythropoietin receptor; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Al-Sheikh M, Mazurier E, Gardie B, Casadevall N, Galacteros F, Goossens M, Wajcman H, Prehu C, Ugo V. A study of 36 unrelated cases with pure erythrocytosis revealed three new mutations in the erythropoietin receptor gene. Haematologica. 2008 Jul;93(7):1072-5. doi: 10.3324/haematol.12260. Epub 2008 May 19.
- Constantinescu SN, Ghaffari S, Lodish HF. The Erythropoietin Receptor: Structure, Activation and Intracellular Signal Transduction. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 1999 Dec;10(1):18-23. doi: 10.1016/s1043-2760(98)00101-5.
- de la Chapelle A, Traskelin AL, Juvonen E. Truncated erythropoietin receptor causes dominantly inherited benign human erythrocytosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1993 May 15;90(10):4495-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.90.10.4495.
- Hodges VM, Rainey S, Lappin TR, Maxwell AP. Pathophysiology of anemia and erythrocytosis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2007 Nov;64(2):139-58. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2007.06.006. Epub 2007 Jul 25.
- Huang LJ, Shen YM, Bulut GB. Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of primary familial and congenital polycythaemia. Br J Haematol. 2010 Mar;148(6):844-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.08069.x. Epub 2010 Jan 20.
- Percy MJ, Rumi E. Genetic origins and clinical phenotype of familial and acquired erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis. Am J Hematol. 2009 Jan;84(1):46-54. doi: 10.1002/ajh.21313.
- Percy MJ. Genetically heterogeneous origins of idiopathic erythrocytosis. Hematology. 2007 Apr;12(2):131-9. doi: 10.1080/10245330601111979.
- Watowich SS, Xie X, Klingmuller U, Kere J, Lindlof M, Berglund S, de la Chapelle A. Erythropoietin receptor mutations associated with familial erythrocytosis cause hypersensitivity to erythropoietin in the heterozygous state. Blood. 1999 Oct 1;94(7):2530-2.
- Watowich SS. The erythropoietin receptor: molecular structure and hematopoietic signaling pathways. J Investig Med. 2011 Oct;59(7):1067-72. doi: 10.2310/JIM.0b013e31820fb28c.
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.