Component of the BBSome complex (By similarity). The BBSome complex is thought to function as a coat complex required for sorting of specific membrane proteins to the primary cilia (By similarity). The BBSome complex is required for ciliogenesis but is dispensable for centriolar satellite function (By similarity). Required for proper BBSome complex assembly and its ciliary localization (PubMed:22922713). Required for cilia biogenesis and both the assembly and movement of intraflagellar transport proteins along the ciliary axoneme (PubMed:15231740, PubMed:17000880, PubMed:22022287, PubMed:22922713, PubMed:27930654). Plays a role in guanylyl cyclase localization in the ring-like structures at the base of the finger compartment in AFD sensory neurons (PubMed:25335890). Part of BBSome complex, that contains at least bbs-1, bbs-2, bbs-4, bbs-5, osm-12, bbs-8/ttc-8 and bbs-9. Localized at the ciliary base and also in ring-like structures between the base of the AFD sensory neuron finger compartment and the dendritic membrane. Expressed in head and tail neurons (PubMed:15231740). Expressed in ciliated male tail-neurons (PubMed:14520415). Expressed in thermosensory and CO(2) sensory AFD neurons (PubMed:25335890). Expressed from the embryonic stage to adulthood. Expressed in embryos from the 1.5-fold stage, with expression increasing to the 3-fold stage. Expressed in ciliated cells including amphid and both inner and outer labial neurons of the head at larval stages L1 and L2. Expressed in both phasmid neurons PHA and PHB in the tail and in the PDE sensory neuron in the mid-body at larval stage L3 and L4. Mutants have normal body morphology, but with reduced body length and width, delayed larval development and decreased roaming movements (PubMed:22022287). May exhibit defective chemotaxis tendencies (PubMed:15231740). Defective sensory cilia structure and function (PubMed:15231740, PubMed:22022287). This is characterized by increased accumulation and mislocalization of intraflagellar transport proteins and impaired movement of intraflagellar transport proteins such as rab-28 along the ciliary axoneme (PubMed:15231740, PubMed:27930654). Disrupted assembly of the BBSome complex at the base of the cilia (PubMed:22922713). Impaired localization of the guanylyl cyclase proteins, gcy-8, gcy-18 and gcy-23, within AFD sensory neurons, with accumulation along the dendrite as well as in the finger compartment of AFD neurons (PubMed:25335890). Thermotaxis defects and impaired tendencies to migrate to a food source (PubMed:25335890).