In vitro phosphorylation of the desmin head domain is often described to contribute to IFs solubilisation59, but in contrast, phosphorylation, and more specifically hyperphosphorylation, is closely linked to the physiopathology of skeletal muscle diseases (in particular myofibrillar myopathies) or in heart disorders (such as heart failure), characterized by desmin aggregation24,28,29,60–62. The gene discussed is DES; the disease is heart failure.