Z-line protein have important structural functions. Recent publications point to additional, previously unexpected functions and new views are now emerging. Z-line proteins are involved in important intra- and intercellular signalling pathways. They translocate into the nucleus, they interact with a variety of signalling molecules including kinases and transcription factors, and they have the ability to form macromolecular protein complexes indicating furthermore their multifuntionality. The muscle LIM protein (MLP) is muscle specific, and is expressed and located at the z-line. MLP's physiological role at the z-line and in the nucleus may be better understood by precise investigations of specific mutations in specific domains of this protein.
Keywords: Cardiomyopathy; Heart failure; Muscle LIM protein; Z-line proteins.