The hallmark of t(6;9) AML is the expression of the DEK/CAN fusion protein.     ///    The t(6;9) associated DEK/CAN fusion protein targets a population of long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells for leukemogenic transformation..     ///    We found that DEK/CAN initiated leukemia from a small subpopulation within the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) population expressing a surface marker pattern of long-term (LT) HSC.     ///    "This finding indicates that in DEK/CAN-induced leukemia, there is a difference between 'leukemia-initiating cells' (L-ICs) and 'leukemia-maintaining cells' (L-MCs). "    ///    "The leukemogenic potential of DEK/CAN has been called into question, because it was shown to be unable to block the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors. "    ///    "The propagation of established DEK/CAN-positive leukemia was not restricted to the LT-HSC population, but occurred even from more mature and heterogeneous cell populations. "