14–3-3 protein regulation of excitation–contraction coupling

14–3-3 proteins (14–3-3 s) are a family of highly conserved proteins that regulate many cellular processes in eukaryotes by interacting with a diverse array of client proteins. The 14–3-3 proteins have been implicated in several disease states and previous reviews have condensed the literature with respect to their structure, function, and the regulation of different cellular processes. This review focuses on the growing body of literature exploring the important role 14–3-3 proteins appear to play in regulating the biochemical and biophysical events associated with excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) in muscle. It presents both a timely and unique analysis that seeks to unite studies emphasizing the identification and diversity of 14–3-3 protein function and client protein interactions, as modulators of muscle contraction. It also highlights ideas within these two well-established but intersecting fields that support further investigation with respect to the mechanistic actions of 14–3-3 proteins in the modulation of force generation in muscle.