Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a glycoprotein hormone primarily produced by the liver and, to a lesser extent, by the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of platelet production (thrombopoiesis) by stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes, the bone marrow cells responsible for the production of platelets. TPO binds to its receptor, c-Mpl, on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocytes, thereby promoting their growth and maturation.
