We have previously reported the transformation rescue of the
emb-8(
hc69) mutant with a cosmid containing the gene
cej-1(C. elegans Meeting 1995, abstract 310).
emb-8 is an embryonic lethal mutant at nonpermissive temperature (25oC). Cell division arrest between one cell to 50 cells stage. The egg shell is osmotically sensitive. Recently we have come to know from Sarah Crittenden( Judith Kimble Lab.) that
emb-8 mislocalizes Glp-1 & P-granules specific antigens. We have earlier observed symmetric distribution of P-granules in a fraction of embryos using a monoclonal antibody specific to germ cells. These observation suggest a role of
emb-8 in early cell divisions of the embryos.