The results of tests conducted on AML cell lines, AML patient derived mouse xenograft models and AML cells ex vivo, demonstrated that RARα agonist SY-1425 (tamibarotene) selectively inhibited the proliferation of AML cells with high (but not low) RARA expression, stimulating the expression of genes linked to granulocytic differentiation (e.g., CD38, ITGAX, ITGAM, and CD66) and retinoic acid response (e.g., DHRS3). The gene discussed is CD38; the disease is acute myeloid leukemia.