Michael Dussiot et al. show that an activin receptor IIA ligand trap ameliorates anemia in a mouse model of β-thalassemia by blocking the deleterious effects of GDF11. Mechanistically, GDF11 inactivation reversed ineffective erythropoiesis by promoting terminal erythroblast differentiation and by inducing apoptosis of immature erythroblasts. Also in this issue, Rajasekhar Suragani et al. show related findings using a modified activin receptor IIB ligand trap.
- Michael Dussiot
- Thiago T Maciel
- Ivan C Moura