High impact information on dif-1

• Although dif-1 activity is required only during embryogenesis, dif-1 RNA is expressed at all stages of development [1].
• Later, the presumable zygotic dif-1 RNA is found only in the gut and hypodermis of the embryo [1].
• The dif-1 gene was identified in a general screen for maternal-effect embryonic lethal (Mel) mutants. dif-1 mutant embryos complete gastrulation and embryonic cell division normally, but then arrest development with only a small amount of tissue differentiation [1].
• In a search for FAO gene expression during development we came across two embryonic differentiation genes: differentiation defective (dif-1) and congested-like trachea (colt) of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, respectively [2].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of dif-1

• In situ hybridization to embryos showed that dif-1 RNA is initially present in all cells of the embryo; this most likely corresponds to maternal dif-1 RNA [1].

References