RUNX2 and acute myeloid leukemia: However, by examining AML engraftment in a human bone implant in mice, Battula et al. showed that the AML-engrafted bone marrow showed significantly increased, BMP-induced Runx2+ and Osterix+ osteoprogenitors (Fig. 5.3), in which the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from MSPCs enhanced leukemia engraftment.174 The inconsistency between these studies may be attributed to the experimental models used (different leukemia types and the use of bone implants), the stage of the disease, or potentially the spatial origin of cells.