This gene is a member of the EPO/TPO family and encodes a
secreted, glycosylated cytokine composed of four alpha helical
bundles. The protein is found in the plasma and regulates red cell
production by promoting erythroid differentiation and initiating
hemoglobin synthesis. This protein also has neuroprotective
activity against a variety of potential brain injuries and
antiapoptotic functions in several tissue types. [provided by
RefSeq].
