Expression of Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} using Scer\GAL4^h-1J3 does not appear to affect embryonic and larval development, but larvae fail to pupate and die after an extended third instar larval life, which lasts up to three weeks. The size of the transgenic larvae expressing Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} does not significantly differ from control larvae four days after egg deposition (AED). The transgenic larvae continue to feed and significantly increase in sized during their prolonged larval life, reaching at eighteen days AED the maximal length, while control animals pupated on day six AED.

When Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} is expressed using Scer\GAL4^P0206, larvae fail to pupate and show the same phenotype obtained with Scer\GAL4^h-1J3.

When Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} is expressed using Scer\GAL4^Aug21, no effects on developmental timing is observed and regular progeny is obtained.

When Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} is expressed using Scer\GAL4^phm.PO, none of the larvae fail to pupate and they have en extended larval life as shown using Scer\GAL4^P0206.

Ecdysteroid biosynthesis is impaired in larvae expressing Scer\GAL4^phm.PO>Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa}. Transgenic third instar larvae fed with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) just before the onset of the ecdysteroid peak occurring in the wild-type partially rescues the developmental arrest phenotype. All the mutant larvae pupate, but they fail to progress to the pharate stage.

Prothoracic glands (PGs) from control larvae are significantly larger than PGs from Scer\GAL4^phm.PO>Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} larvae. The size difference can be attributed to a reduction in cell number.

Expression of Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} using Scer\GAL4^phm.PO causes disruption of the cytoskeletal network.

Expression of Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} using Scer\GAL4^phm.PO and Scer\GAL80^ts.αTub84B engenders abnormal F-actin organisation at the restrictive temperature.

Germline expression of Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa}, under the control of Scer\GAL4^{nos.UTR.T:Hsim\VP16} interferes with embryonic development. The expression of one copy of Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} induces a maternal effect semi-lethal phenotype. Lethality of 56.3 and 42% is observed with two different lines, inserted on the X or on the II chromosome respectively.

Transgenic females that carry two copies of Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} and one copy of Scer\GAL4^{nos.UTR.T:Hsim\VP16} exhibit 99.2% lethality.

Expression of two copies of Zzzz\ank1^{Scer\UAS.P\T.cDa} and one copy of Scer\GAL4^{nos.UTR.T:Hsim\VP16} causes ventralization of the eggshell, with defects in dorsal appendages. The eggs also appear short and rounded. In some eggs the dorsal appendages are fused at the base. The majority of eggs (65%) exhibit the most extreme ventralized phenotype with the complete loss of all appendage material.