Final answer:
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes) by acting on stem cells in the bone marrow. It is secreted in response to low oxygen levels to maintain adequate oxygen transport in the body. The RBC lineage is affected by EPO as it fosters the growth of red blood cell precursors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. Its main function is to regulate the production of erythrocytes (red blood cells), which are vital for transporting oxygen throughout the body. The process begins with EPO stimulating the hemocytoblast, a hematopoietic stem cell in the bone marrow, to proliferate and differentiate into the erythrocyte lineage.
In the context of the RBC lineage, EPO is a type of hemopoietic growth factor which promotes the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of red blood cell precursors. Overproduction of EPO or the use of synthetic EPO can result in an increased RBC count, which enhances oxygen delivery to tissues but can also lead to increased blood viscosity and potential health risks.