 MEL1 (MDS1/EVI1-like gene 1/PRDM16), which was identified as a gene near the chromosomal breakpoint in t(1;3)(p36;q21)-positive human acute myeloid leukemia cells, belongs to the PRDI-BF1-RIZ1 homologous (PR) domain (PRDM) family of transcription repressors. 