Megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitor cells (MEPs), among other
blood cells, are generated as a result of
hematopoiesis, which occurs in the
bone marrow.
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) can differentiate into one of two progenitor cells: the common lymphoid progenitor and the common myeloid progenitor. MEPs derive from the common myeloid progenitor lineage.[1] Megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitor cells must commit to becoming either platelet-producing megakaryocytes via megakaryopoiesis or erythrocyte-producing
erythroblasts via
erythropoiesis.[2][3] Most of the blood cells produced in the bone marrow during hematopoiesis come from megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitor progenitor cells.[4]