May have a role in DNA double-strand break repair following gamma-irradiation. Localized to the nuclei of proliferating germ cells. Expressed in germ cells. Induced by DNA damage cues including gamma-irradiation, and UV and hydroxyurea treatment. Reduced number of apoptotic cells following gamma-irradiation. In a rad-54 knockdown but not in brc-1 mutant background, restores levels of embryonic survival and chromosomal aberrations in oocytes following gamma-irradiation to almost wildtype. Mutants show slightly reduced levels of egl-1 mRNA expression.