In hermaphrodites, newly synthesized
ife-1 mRNA was first detected in the germline of L3 stage larvae. At this stage germ cells in the distal region of the gonad are mitotically proliferating and those in the proximal region are entering meiosis. As germline development progressed, the hybridization signal intensified in the regions of the gonad undergoing spermatogenesis. The signal persisted after spermatogenesis was complete; a reduced level of
ife-1 mRNA was detectable in adult germlines undergoing oogenesis. In embryos, the distribution of
ife-1 mRNA was similar to a pattern described previously as class I maternal mRNAs. These mRNAs show a uniform distribution in all cells during early cleavage stages and disappear at later stages.
ife-1 mRNA was detected in all cells in embryos until the 100-200-cell stage and gradually disappeared by the 300-400-cell stage.