Simultaneous expression of dsb^GD2254 and dsb^KK107147 under the control of either Scer\GAL4^MJ12a or Scer\GAL4^grh.D4 leads to dorsal trunk elongation defects and internalization of the posterior spiracles into the body cavity. Most larvae survive until third instar larval stage and show a moderate growth reduction. Scer\GAL4^btl.PS-driven expression does not result in any visible phenotype. Individual expression of dsb^GD2254 controlled by Scer\GAL4^grh.D4 also results in impaired dorsal trunk elongation and in partial lethality.

Expression of dsb^GD2254 in posterior epidermal cells under the control of Scer\GAL4^en-e16E prevents phagocytic clearance of ddaC neuron dendrite debris following pupal stage dendritic pruning. Similarly, when larval dendrites are injured (severed with an infrared laser) expression of dsb^GD2254 under the control of Scer\GAL4^A58 and Scer\GAL4^I-76-D blocks dendritic debris clearance.

Adults expressing dsb^GD2254 under the control of Scer\GAL4^elav.PLu (in the presence of Dcr-2^Scer\UAS.cDa to increase the efficiency of RNAi) do not show a significant defect in avoidance of noxious temperature (46[o]C) compared to control flies.