Nodal Homolog (NODAL)

SPN	N422
HGNC	7865
MGI	97359
PubMed	9354794
RGD	1305994
UniProt	Q96S42
Wiki	Nodal

Nodal is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NODAL gene. It is a member of the TGF beta superfamily. Like many other members of this superfamily, it is involved in cell differentiation. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggested that this gene may be essential for mesoderm formation and subsequent organization of left-right axial structures in early embryonic development.

The left-right asymmetry in the body of vertebrates is established by a process that uses the Nodal and Lefty proteins; Nodal is expressed in the left side of the organism in early development. An ortholog of Nodal was recently found in snails and was shown to be involved in left-right asymmetry as well.

Reference

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Science 314:268-274(2006) [PubMed] [Europe PMC] [Abstract]

"Identification and functional characterization of NODAL rare variants in heterotaxy and isolated cardiovascular malformations."
Hum. Mol. Genet. 18:861-871(2009) [PubMed] [Europe PMC] [Abstract]