The expression of SALL4 was significantly higher (p<0.001) in refractory anemia with excess blast type 1 (RAEB-1) (35.06±16.32, n=14) and refractory anemia with excess blast type 2 (RAEB-2) (45.66±16.87, n=13) subtypes when compared with healthy control, but not refractory anemia (RA) (6.62±7.21, n=18) or refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD) (8.95±9.72, n=10). The gene discussed is SALL4; the disease is anemia (phenotype).