We demonstrate that primary healthy bone marrow- (BM) and MDS BM-derived CD34+ cells from lower-risk (International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) low- and intermediate 1) and higher-risk (intermediate 2 and high) MDS, defined by the number of cytopenias, blast percentage in BM, and cytogenetic abnormalities, efficiently engraft in MISTRG mice and give rise to multi-lineage hematopoiesis and specifically to myelo-, erythro-, and mekagaryopoiesis. This evidence concerns the gene CD34 and myelodysplastic syndrome.