mRNA is detected at all stages of development. The relative levels of mRNA were quantitated, the highest levels were observed in egg and L2d samples. An approximately 2-fold increase in
daf-12 expression is observed in L2d pre-dauer compared to the level detected in eggs. L1 and L2 levels are lower than egg levels. Although very low,
daf-12 mRNA is detected in the post-dauer-1 (PD1) stage, in which animals recovering from the dauer stage resume normal pharyngeal pumping and resume growth. The
daf-12 mRNA is more easily detected in samples of post dauer-2 (PD2) larvae that are morphologically similar to an L4 animal [1]. The
daf-12 mRNA is detected at approximately equivalent levels for L3, L4 and adult stages, although they are lower than the early developmental stages.