This invention relates to novel phosphorylation sites in the desmin protein that are associated with the onset of heart failure. The phosphorylation sites, i.e., Ser-27 and Ser-31, can be used as biomarkers for (i) identifying subjects at risk for the development of heart failure, (ii) treating subjects having a higher than normal level of the biomarker, and (iii) monitoring therapy of a subject at risk for the development of heart failure. Also described are antibodies, reagents, and kits for carrying out a method of the present invention.
