Figure 1

Hypoplastic AV cushions and disorganized AV valves in Msx1-/- ; Msx2-/- double mutants at E15.5. Panels D-F are enlarged views of the boxes in panels A-C from histological sections of E15.5 embryonic hearts. Compared with the control (D), Msx1/2 null mutants have compromised AV cushions (indicated by white asterisks in the control and red asterisks in Msx1/2 double mutants), shorter and deformed AV valves extending from the cushions (indicated by triangle arrowheads in panels E and F), and hyperplastic AV valves extending from the AV myocardium (indicated by arrows in panels E and F), suggesting impaired valve outgrowth and remodeling following deficient EMT to form the AV cushions. The red arrow indicates atrial septal defect. IVS, interventricular septum; LA and LV, left atrium and ventricle; RA and RV, right atrium and ventricle. Scale bars: 0.5 mm in A (for A-C) and 0.2 mm in D, and F (for E, F).