We demonstrate that AML cell-derived R-2HG may be helpful for the establishment of a tumor-promoting bone marrow stromal niche for AML cells by producing growth-proliferating cytokine (IL-6) and enhancing cell-cell interaction (VLA-4/VCAM-1) to increase proliferation and chemoresistance. The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is acute myeloid leukemia.