Expression of markers of cardiac development. In the myocardia of E12.5 and E14.5 Sp3−/− hearts (a, b, e, and f), Nkx2.5 remains expressed. Carp is downregulated after E12.5 in the absence of Sp3, as shown by in situ hybridization (c, d, g, and h). At E14.5, Carp expression is almost completely absent in the Sp3−/− heart. The remaining expression site at E14.5 correlates with the position of the future atrioventricular conduction system bridging the ventricular septum. Ao, aorta; LA, left atrium; RA, right atrium; RV, right ventricle. Bars, 100 μm.