The Non-Coding RNome Landscape in Erythropoiesis: Pathophysiological Implications

Erythropoiesis is a multistage process critical for red blood cell production and systemic oxygen transport. It is tightly regulated, and recent advances have highlighted the pivotal regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), in governing both physiological and pathological erythropoiesis. These ncRNAs have roles in the fine-tuning of the classical transcriptional and post-transcriptional control. This review explores the complex landscape of the non-coding RNome in erythroid differentiation, maturation, and function. We summarize how specific miRNAs influence erythroid lineage commitment, hemoglobin switching, iron metabolism, and cellular morphology, as well as their modulation by environmental and pathological cues. We also discuss emerging evidence on lncRNAs regulating chromatin remodeling, alternative splicing, apoptosis, enucleation, and erythroid-specific gene expression. These insights suggest that ncRNAs are instrumental orchestrators of erythropoiesis and accordingly, potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in anemia and related hematologic disorders.