Fig. 9.

Schematic summary of SRF regulation of CM maturation. A balanced level of SRF activity is required in maturing CMs for the transcription of major genes that are required for CM maturation. These genes include those that regulate mitochondria and metabolism, sarcomere assembly, and ion channels. Among these genes, sarcomere genes are particularly critical for organizing not only myofibrils but also other aspects of morphological maturation, such as mitochondria remodeling, maturational hypertrophy, and T-tubule formation. These coordinated transcriptional and morphological maturation events collectively establish the robust functions of adult CMs, which is maintained throughout the animal’s lifespan