Involved in short-range signaling required for pollen tube attraction by the female gametophyte. Required for female fertility. Expressed only in the egg apparatus, consisting of the egg cell and two synergids. Not detected in the central cell, antipodals, and nucellar and integumental cells. Exclusively expressed in the mature egg cells before fertilization. Rapid down-regulation and/or degradation after fertilization. Possible proteolysis of the C-terminal region from the predicted transmembrane domain to permit secretion and transport of the mature protein to the cell walls of the nucellus, allowing the spreading from the egg cell apparatus to the micropylar opening of the ovule. Flower power - Issue 57 of April 2005