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New Advances in Erythrocyte Biology and Functions

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 1854

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Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Interests: neurodegenerative disorders and non-communicable diseases; neuroprotective role of antioxidants
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been a rapid proliferation of knowledge regarding health and the clinical approach to red-blood-cell-related diseases. Long assumed to be inert oxygen carriers, red blood cells (RBCs) are emerging as important modulators of the innate immune response. Furthermore, developments in novel red blood functions, blood bank storage methods, and red-blood-cell-based therapies have been reported. We are pleased to invite you to contribute original articles, reviews, and communications covering the entire field of RBC research, including, but not limited to, the following: Red blood cell (RBC) aging; pathological RBCs; immunological RBCs; blood bank storage; RBCs and vascular function; RBCs under stress (warming, hypoxia, sport ); engineered RBCs; RBCs and drug interaction; and xenobiotics.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Misiti
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • erythrocyte
  • red blood cells
  • red blood functions
  • vascular function
  • blood bank storage

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 476 KiB  
Article
Resolution of RHCE Haplotype Ambiguities in Transfusion Settings
by Caroline Izard, Laurine Laget, Sophie Beley, Nelly Bichel, Lugdivine De Boisgrollier, Christophe Picard, Jacques Chiaroni and Julie Di Cristofaro
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5868; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115868 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1280
Abstract
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, limited by patient alloimmunization, demands accurate blood group typing. The Rh system requires specific attention due to the limitations of serological phenotyping methods. Although these have been compensated for by molecular biology solutions, some RhCE ambiguities remain unresolved. [...] Read more.
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, limited by patient alloimmunization, demands accurate blood group typing. The Rh system requires specific attention due to the limitations of serological phenotyping methods. Although these have been compensated for by molecular biology solutions, some RhCE ambiguities remain unresolved. The RHCE mRNA length is compatible with full-length analysis and haplotype discrimination, but the RHCE mRNA analyses reported so far are based on reticulocyte isolation and molecular biology protocols that are fastidious to implement in a routine context. We aim to present the most efficient reticulocyte isolation method, combined with an RT-PCR sequencing protocol that embraces the phasing of all haplotype configurations and identification of any allele. Two protocols were tested for reticulocyte isolation based either on their size/density properties or on their specific antigenicity. We show that the reticulocyte sorting method by antigen specificity from EDTA blood samples collected up to 48 h before processing is the most efficient and that the combination of an RHCE-specific RT-PCR followed by RHCE allele-specific sequencing enables analysis of cDNA RHCE haplotypes. All samples analyzed show full concordance between RHCE phenotype and haplotype sequencing. Two samples from the immunohematology laboratory with ambiguous results were successfully analyzed and resolved, one of them displaying a novel RHCE allele (RHCE*03 c.340C>T). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Erythrocyte Biology and Functions)
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Review

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29 pages, 1100 KiB  
Review
Epigenetic Regulation of Erythropoiesis: From Developmental Programs to Therapeutic Targets
by Ninos Ioannis Vasiloudis, Kiriaki Paschoudi, Christina Beta, Grigorios Georgolopoulos and Nikoletta Psatha
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136342 - 30 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Erythropoiesis, the process driving the differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to mature erythrocytes, unfolds through tightly orchestrated developmental stages, each defined by profound epigenetic remodeling. From the initial commitment of hematopoietic progenitors to the terminal enucleation of erythrocytes, dynamic changes in [...] Read more.
Erythropoiesis, the process driving the differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to mature erythrocytes, unfolds through tightly orchestrated developmental stages, each defined by profound epigenetic remodeling. From the initial commitment of hematopoietic progenitors to the terminal enucleation of erythrocytes, dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility, transcription factor occupancy, and three-dimensional genome architecture govern lineage specification and stage-specific gene expression. Advances in our understanding of the regulatory genome have uncovered how non-coding elements, including enhancers, silencers, and insulators, shape the transcriptional landscape of erythroid cells. These elements work in concert with lineage-determining transcription factors to establish and maintain erythroid identity. Disruption of these epigenetic programs—whether by inherited mutations, somatic alterations, or environmental stress—can lead to a wide range of hematologic disorders. Importantly, this growing knowledge base has opened new therapeutic avenues, enabling the development of precision tools that target regulatory circuits to correct gene expression. These include epigenetic drugs, enhancer-targeted genome editing, and lineage-restricted gene therapies that leverage endogenous regulatory logic. As our understanding of erythroid epigenomics deepens, so too does our ability to design rational, cell-type-specific interventions for red blood cell disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Erythrocyte Biology and Functions)
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