Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have been widely used to treat anemia of chronic diseases, and the significant role of IRP1 in repressing HIF2α and EPO production suggests that inhibiting the interaction between IRP1 and HIF2α with small molecules could increase HIF2α translation and up-regulate endogenous EPO levels (Zimmer et al., 2008). This evidence concerns the gene ACO1 and anemia (phenotype).