Future research priorities include: (1) Future investigations should integrate gene-editing tools with population-scale transcriptomic screening to longitudinally track Cx40 trajectories from pre-AF stages through arrhythmia onset in de novo cases; (2) Validating UBQLN4 mechanisms: Perform multiplexed imaging analysis on atrial fibrillation patient biopsies and establish humanized genetically modified murine models; (3) Deciphering Cx40 regulatory networks: Implement single-cell tracking and proximity labelling techniques (e.g. BioID/APEX) in atrial-specific cell lines or tissue specimens. The gene discussed is GJA5; the disease is cardiac arrhythmia.