Making enough red blood cells: Scientists identify molecules that ensure red blood cell production

ScienceDaily (2010-06-06) -- Scientists have identified two small RNA molecules which ensure that enough red blood cells are produced efficiently, by fine-tuning a number of different genes involved in this process.

科學家己找出兩個RNA小分子確保紅血球能有效率地生產。此二小分子微調了紅血球產生過程中其他數個基因。

To form red blood cells, large, round cells known as precursors have to become small and disc-shaped, like balls of plasticine squeezed between finger and thumb. In the process, they must also produce the large quantities of haemoglobin that will allow them to transport oxygen, and shrink and dispose of their nucleus. The EMBL scientists found that two microRNAs, called MiR144 and MiR451, control the final stages of this process.


blood cell formation, or haematopoiesis

Journal Reference:
K. D. Rasmussen, S. Simmini, C. Abreu-Goodger, N. Bartonicek, M. Di Giacomo, D. Bilbao-Cortes, R. Horos, M. Von Lindern, A. J. Enright, D. O'Carroll. The miR-144/451 locus is required for erythroid homeostasis. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2010; DOI: 10.1084/jem.20100458