lacZ reporter expression is driven by a -2.2kb to +90bp fragment of the rho promoter region including the midline element and the neuroectoderm element.
Reporter gene expression is seen in the presumptive neurectoderm from nuclear cycle 13 through germ band elongation. By cellularization, pair rule modulated stripes are seen. Later staining is seen in the mesectoderm and in the tracheal pits.