In wild-type embryos,
ten-1a::gfp is first expressed in a cluster of cells in the anterior half at approximately 150 minutes after fertilization. These cells are precursors to the hypodermal cells, which are evident at 300 minutes post-fertilization, when the cells intercalate and begin the process of ventral closure, and to pharyngeal and intestinal cells, which are evident beginning at the bean stage. In later stages, strong expression of
ten-1a::gfp persists in pharyngeal and intestinal cells, and appears in several head neurons. Examination of L1 larvae and adults allowed us to identify 8 pharyngeal cells that express
ten-1a::gfp: the three marginal cells
mc1, the three marginal cells
mc3, and the neurons M2L and M2R. Adults also express
ten-1a::gfp in vulva muscles, the gonad distal tip cells, the intestine, several tail neurons including DVB and some other cells.