Nerve cell protection free from side effects

The hormone erythropoietin (Epo) is a well-known doping substance that has a history of abuse in endurance sports. In addition to promoting red blood cell production, Epo protects nerve cells from death. To use this effect to cure neurodegenerative diseases, negative effects need to be prevented. Researchers have now discovered another Epo receptor that could have protective effects in humans without side-effects. The results appeared in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience.