They can be distinguished from all other AML subtypes based on specific chromosomal alterations and fusion genes: PML/RAR-alpha fusion gene with reciprocal translocation t(15;17)(q24;q21) for APLs, AML1/ETO (also called RUNX1/RUNX1T1) fusion gene for t(8;21)-AMLs, and CBFB/MYH11 fusion gene for AMLs with either inv(16)(q21;q22) or balanced reciprocal translocation t(16;16)(q21;q22). This evidence concerns the gene MYH11 and acute myeloid leukemia.