The RPL23, Miz-1 and c-Myc mRNA expression levels, which were calculated using the 2−△△Ct method (mean ± S.E.M), were evaluated in 97 MDS samples (54 lower-risk and 43 higher-risk MDS patients) and compared with the levels in corresponding samples from 21 normal donors (Fig. 5a–5c). The gene discussed is RPL23; the disease is myelodysplastic syndrome.