Both sexes bearing a
vab-3::gfp transgene exhibit GFP expression in neuronal, and occasionally epidermal cell types in the head. Neuronal transcription begins after gastrulation and persists throughout the life of the animals. In addition,
vab-3::gfp displays sex-specific expression patterns, such as in the distal tip cells (DTCs) of L4 hermaphrodites and the B.a and Y.p sensory organ precursors in males.
vab-3::gfp transgene is not expressed in any ray lineages.
vab-3::gfp expression is visible in the B.a and Y.p cells beginning in early L2. Expression levels among individual cell types derived from these precursors are not appreciably different through mid L3. In the B.a lineage, GFP persists through larval development. Expression diminishes during late L4 tail morphogenesis, and is absent in adults. Expression in the Y.p lineage shows a distinct temporal pattern. GFP in the Y.p lineage diminishes from mid L2 through mid L3, at which time only the eight B.a descendants exhibit expression.