Stem cells in the bone marrow produce a variety of hematopoietic cell types from common progenitor cells under the influence of cytokines and growth factors. CFU-GEMM cells are a key intermediate in the differentiation of granulocytes, erythrocytes, monocytes and megakaryocytes. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine produced in the kidneys that, along with other cytokines, induces red blood cell (erythrocyte) differentiation in the bone marrow from CFU-GEMM cells. As the erythrocyte lineage progresses, cells lose their nuclei, and move out of the bone marrow into circulation. The ability of EPO to selectively induce red blood cell differentiation has allowed extensive therapeutic use of the recombinant form of this cytokine to treat anemias.
Contributor: Glenn Croston, PhD.
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