Between different MDS subtypes by WHO classification, the expression of SALL4 was significantly higher (p<0.001) in RAEB-1 (35.06±16.32, n=14) and RAEB-2 (45.66±16.87, n=13) subtypes when compared with healthy control, but not refractory cytopenia (RA) (6.62±7.21, n=18) or refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD) (8.95±9.72, n=10). This evidence concerns the gene SALL4 and dysplasia.