Vital for proper neuronal development and hatching. Embryonic expression is in small clusters of cells along posterior margin of most segments, brain and segmentally repeating pattern along midline of nerve cord. Expressed in embryonic, larval and adult gonads of both sexes, and larval imaginal disks. Expressed both maternally and zygotically throughout development with highest levels in pupae and adults. Readthrough of the terminator UGA may occur between the codons for 332-Glu and 334-Arg. Belongs to the OAF family.