Considering the potential of using PPARγ ligands in APL “transcriptional” therapy, this paper summarizes the effects of endogenous and synthetic PPARγ ligands in AML and focuses on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects of novel synthetic PPARγ ligand 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO) in APL. The gene discussed is PPARG; the disease is acute promyelocytic leukemia.