RBPMS regulates cardiomyocyte contraction and cardiac function through RNA alternative splicing.

RNA binding proteins are associated with cardiovascular diseases through modulating RNA post-transcriptional modifications. Our previous study revealed that Rbpms deficiency caused noncompaction cardiomyopathy and patent ductus arteriosus in mouse. Our current study demonstrates that Rbpms mainly regulates cardiomyocyte contraction in the adult heart, and cardiac-specific Rbpms knockout leads to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. RBPMS mediates the alternative splicing of key sarcomeric components in the adult heart, including Ttn, Pdlim5 and Nexn. These findings indicate that RBPMS is an essential regulator of cardiac function, and a better understanding of its function will provide new therapeutic opportunities for cardiovascular diseases.