Erythropoietin: Gene Cloning, Protein Structure, and Biological Properties

Abstract

The successful cloning of the gene for human erythropoietin (EPO) (Jacobs et al. 1985; Lin et al. 1985) has yielded information on the genetic organization and protein structure of this hormone and has allowed assessment of its biological properties. Biological studies have clearly indicated the clinical potential for this hormone in treatment of various anemias, and initial clinical studies of recombinant-DNA-produced human EPO (r-hEPO)1 are now under way.