SPEG (Striated Muscle Preferentially Expressed Protein Kinase) Is Essential for Cardiac Function by Regulating Junctional Membrane Complex Activity

Abstract

The novel JMC protein SPEG is downregulated in human failing hearts. Acute loss of SPEG in mouse hearts causes JPH2 dephosphorylation and transverse-tubule loss associated with downstream Ca²⁺ mishandling leading to HF. Our study suggests that SPEG could be a novel target for the treatment of HF.