DES and cardiomyopathy: DES encodes desmin intermediate filaments, SPARC encodes secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (a matricellular protein that functions as a positive inotrope, possibly by interaction with integrin β1 and integrin-linked kinase [ILK] in CMs),59 and ALPK3 encodes a transcription factor important in cardiac differentiation and maturation,60 all of which are causative for cardiomyopathy.