Genome-wide functions of PML–RARα in acute promyelocytic leukaemia

PML—RAR (retinoic acid receptor) α is the hallmark protein of acute promyelocytic leukaemia, a highly malignant subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia that accounts for approximately 10% of all AML cases. Recently, several studies have been set out to obtain a comprehensive genome-wide view of the molecular actions of this chimeric protein. In this review, we highlight the new insights that arose from these studies, in particular focussing on newly identified PML–RAR α target genes, its interplay with RXR and deregulation of epigenetic modifications.