USP2 and persistent truncus arteriosus: In the present study, several novel findings have been made: (1) USP2 was downregulated in the heart following 2 weeks of TAC; (2) overexpression of cardiac USP2 preserved ventricular function following 2 weeks of TAC; (3) overexpression of cardiac USP2 inhibited TAC-induced cardiac remodeling, by suppressing cardiac hypertrophy, inflammatory responses, and fibrosis and attenuating oxidative stress.