Expression of Avic\GFP^{dsRNA.R.Scer\UAS} under the control of Scer\GAL4^Act5C.PI causes additional embryonic lethality in vkg^G454 homozygotes. In the presence of Scer\GAL80^ts.αTub84B, vkg^G454 homozygotes homozygotes develop into wild-type adults at 18[o]C (Scer\GAL4^Act5C.PI, Scer\GAL80^ts.αTub84B and Avic\GFP^{dsRNA.R.Scer\UAS} at permissive temperature). In contrast, shifting from 18o[C] to 29[o]C after completion of embryonic development results in pupal lethality.

At a permissive temperature (18[o]C) expression of vkg^G454 and vkg^GD5246 under the control of Scer\GAL4^Cg.PA and Scer\GAL80^ts.αTub84B knocks down expression of vkg. These flies develop into normal adults, although pupal lethality results when the larvae are transferred to restrictive temperature after completion of embryogenesis. Dissection of these larvae 96 hours after the temperature shift reveals highly aberrant shapes in several organs. Imaginal discs, consisting of highly columnar epithelial cells, appear flattened while the ventral nerve cord portion of the central nervous system is strikingly elongated, reminiscent of embryonic defects in ventral nerve cord condensation. Additionally, the ducts and imaginal rings of the salivary glands are dilated, resulting in an expanded lumen.