The role of RM-581 as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress aggravator was confirmed by observing an increase in ER stress markers, such as BIP (GRP-78), CHOP and HERP, and in unfolded protein response (UPR) effectors (PERK, IRE1α and ATF6).<h4>Conclusions</h4>This study demonstrates that RM-581 could be a promising candidate to treat leukemia, notably through the induction of ER-stress mediated apoptosis. Here, EIF2AK3 is linked to leukemia.