Enhancing mitochondrial function in vivo rescues MDS-like anemia induced by pRb deficiency

•Erythroid-specific deletion of pRb results in MDS-like anemia.•There are increased progenitors in BM and a block at the orthochromatic erythroblast stage.•Mitochondrial gene expression and function are disrupted (decreased OXPHOS, disturbed heme production and iron transport).•Enhancement of mitochondrial function through the PPAR-γ pathway rescues MDS-like anemia.