nos-3 encodes a homolog of Drosophila NANOS that physically interacts with FBF-1 (similar, though not orthologous, to Drosophila PUMILIO); NOS-3 is required in development of the hermaphrodite germ-line to promote the switch from sperm to oocyte production, perhaps by forming a complex with FBF-1 that controls fem-3 mRNA.
Predicted to enable RNA binding activity. Involved in positive regulation of meiotic nuclear division. Located in cytoplasm. Expressed in several structures, including Psub3; Psub4; Z2; Z3; and germ line.