DCAF-13 is required for growth, development, and fertility.

DCAF13 (DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 13) is a potential oncogene but little is understood about the developmental roles of this highly conserved gene. We characterized the RNAi phenotypes of , the homolog of DCAF13, and show that compared to age-matched control worms, body length is decreased in (RNAi) larvae, suggesting a role of in larval development. In addition, (RNAi) worms display either a failure or delay in reaching the L4 and adult stages. Our data also indicates that (RNAi) treatment beginning at L4 stage does not increase embryonic lethality in progeny; however, progeny production was significantly decreased in (RNAi) worms, suggesting a general role in fertility and perhaps oocyte development.