Final answer:
ARVC is often caused by mutations in the plakophilin-2 (PKP2) gene, which affects the formation of desmosomes in heart muscle cells, thus compromising cell adhesion and cardiac integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is typically associated with mutations in genes encoding proteins of the cardiac desmosome. A mutation in the genes responsible for the formation of desmosomes in the heart muscle cells can lead to ARVC. Desmosomes are cellular structures that provide strong adhesion between cells and are critical in maintaining the integrity of the heart muscle during repetitive contractions. One of the genes commonly implicated in ARVC is the plakophilin-2 (PKP2) gene. Mutations in this gene can result in the improper formation of desmosomes, which compromises the adhesion of cardiac muscle cells and can result in heart failure or arrhythmias.