PRDM16 gene was initially designated as MEL1 (MDS1/EVI1-like gene 1), because it shared the same domain structure as MDS1/EVI1 (MECOM); it was expressed in leukemia cells with t(1;3)(p36;q21) but not in other cell lines or tissues, suggesting that this gene could be specifically activated in a subset of myelodysplastic syndrome and AML [217]. Here, MECOM is linked to leukemia.