Evolutionarily conserved intercalated disc protein Tmem65 regulates cardiac conduction and connexin 43 function.

Mechanical and electrical activity in the heart is propagated through unique cardiomyocyte membrane structures, the intercalated discs (ID). Sharma et al. identify a novel ID protein, Tmem65, that controls Ca2+ signalling and electrical coupling by interacting with and functionally regulating the gap junction protein Cx43.