HSP43, a small heat-shock protein localized to specific cells of the vulvaand spermatheca in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Heat-shock protein 43 (HSP43) of Caenorhabditis elegans is prominently expr essed in the utse cell, which attaches the uterus to the hypodermis, the uv l cells joining the vulva and the uterus, the spermathecal valve and juncti ons between cells of the spermathecal cage. In body-wall muscle, HSP43 form s a punctate pattern of circumferential lines, probably corresponding to re gions where the hypodermis contacts the muscle cells.