Many TFs were originally identified following the observation of novel transcripts resulting from chromosomal translocations in haematological malignancies, for example Runx1 in the Runx1(AML1)–ETO fusion protein of t(8;21) acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) [4], Scl(Tal1) in t(1;14) T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) [5] and Lmo2 in t(11;14) T-ALL [6]. The gene discussed is RUNX1; the disease is acute lymphoblastic leukemia.