In embryos, EcollacZ expression closely mimics that of Ubx transcripts. Earliest detectable stage (stage 5) corresponds to that observed for the Ubx mRNA, as opposed to that of the Ubx protein, which cannot be detected until stage 9. Ectopic expression in head and tail reigons observed.In late embryos, differs from wild-type Ubx in that expression in CNS of parasegment 5 is not observed.In metathoracic discs, expression in regions corresponding to parasegment 5 (anterior) is not observed.
Presence of trx is able to maintain long term Ubx expression.