Tissue protection by erythropoietin: New findings in a moving field

Abstract

Two groups elucidate novel mechanisms of tissue protection by erythropoietin (EPO). Hu et al. demonstrate that Klotho's protective effect against oxidant-induced cytotoxicity is partially mediated by an increase in the endogenous expression of the classical EPO receptor (EpoR). While erythropoiesis is stimulated by the canonical EpoR homodimer, the tissue-protective effects of EPO are mediated through a heterodimeric 'tissue-protective' receptor. Coldewey et al. demonstrate a protective role of the 'tissue-protective' EpoR against acute kidney injury. © 2013 International Society of Nephrology.