Since a hallmark of AML is a differentiation block of hematopoietic precursors at different developmental stages and since this block can be overcome by treating acute promylocytic leukemia (APL) patients with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and low dose chemotherapy, we also analyzed the role of BIRC6 during neutrophil differentiation of AML cells. This evidence concerns the gene BIRC6 and acute myeloid leukemia.