DNA damage and expression of checkpoint genes p21(WAF1/CIP1) and 14-3-3 sigma in taurine-deficient cardiomyocytes.

Objective: Taurine depletion is associated with development of cardiomyopathy. Further, oxidative stress is advanced as a critical factor mediating the effect of taurine deficiency on target organs. However, the molecular mechanism(s) linking taurine deficiency with the development of cardiomyopathy remains elusive.