Sbk2, SH3 domain binding kinase family member 2, encodes a putative serine/threonine protein kinase. It is muscle-specific, highly atrium-enriched, and involved in regulating sarcomere integrity, with its expression associated with cardiomyocyte differentiation and dedifferentiation [1].

Knockdown of Sbk2 expression in neonatal rat atrial myocytes (NRAMs), conditionally immortalized NRAMs (iAMs) and their human counterparts led to loss of sarcomeric organization and a decrease in sarcomeric gene expression, as shown by transcriptome and proteome analyses. Co-immunoprecipitation using Sbk2 as bait identified possible interaction partners involved in translation, intracellular trafficking, cytoskeletal organization, chromatin modification, and sarcomere formation [1].

In conclusion, Sbk2 is a crucial regulator of atrial sarcomerogenesis. Studies on Sbk2 knockdown in relevant cell models have revealed its importance in maintaining sarcomeric organization, thus providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heart muscle development and potential implications for related heart diseases.