Erythrocyte-based analgesic peptides

Human erythrocyte discards the major organelles in a bid to maximize cellular hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, approximately 98% of the intraerythrocytic protein, serves as the principle transport medium of gaseous conveyance. The accumulated data speaks in favor of erythrocyte not merely engaging in gas exchange, but building molecular signaling as a side job during its 4-month sojourn in blood circulation. The production mechanism of erythrocyte-based bioactive peptides is not clear. Recent studies indicate that proteasome and its subunits persist in mature erythrocyte. The intraerythrocytic proteasome is involved in the formation of hemoglobin-derived analgesic peptides and enables erythrocyte to exert the erythrocrine function. Erythrocrine describes erythrocyte for generation and excretion of signaling molecules and has the potential of shedding light on our understanding of novel actions of erythrocyte. Different types of erythrocrine analgesic peptides are originated from the intraerythrocytic degradation of hemoglobin and manifest the systemic influence in physiology and pathophysiology along its travel through the body via the bloodstream. Translational research from bench to bedside will expand our knowledge of erythrocrine concept and facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for clinical pain.