EPO functions in a hypoxia-sensitive manner meaning that stimuli such as hypoxia and stress (i.e., cellular changes such as hypoglycaemia, electrolyte imbalance, anaemia, infections and loss of endogenous anti-oxidants, etc.)can affect EPO and its receptor45–47, which can have pleiotropic effects in the modulation of apoptotic and immune activities50 as well as neurotrophic and neuroprotection effects46. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is anemia (phenotype).