Asb14, short for Ankyrin Repeat And SOCS Box Containing 14, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase. The ubiquitin proteasome system it belongs to is crucial for regulating the cell cycle. It may be involved in pathways related to cardiac function and potentially epilepsy, as well as in processes related to metabolic syndrome [1,2,3]. Animal models, such as the GASH/Sal model of epilepsy, can be valuable for studying Asb14's role in disease-related genetic alterations [2].

In the context of cardiac regeneration, microarray analysis of apical resection ventricle tissues showed that ASB14 was down-regulated during the cardiac regenerative response. Silencing ASB14 in cardiomyocytes both in vitro and in vivo promoted nuclear proliferation. Mice with ASB14 deficiency had preserved cardiac function in response to ischemic injury due to enhanced cardiomyocyte nuclear proliferation. Mechanistically, ASB14 deficiency decreased the degradation of microtubule-associated protein RP/EB family member 2 (MAPRE2) protein, which promoted cardiomyocyte nuclear proliferation and enhanced cardiac repair after myocardial infarction [1].

In conclusion, Asb14, as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays a role in inhibiting cardiomyocyte proliferation through regulating MAPRE2 ubiquitination. The study of Asb14-deficient mouse models has provided insights into its potential as a target for treating heart failure induced by myocardial infarction injury [1].