NODAL

Description

The NODAL (nodal growth differentiation factor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10.

NODAL is a secretory protein encoded by the NODAL gene on chromosome 10q22.1. It belongs to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily (TGF-β superfamily) and is involved in cell differentiation during early embryogenesis. NODAL plays a key role in signal transfer from the primitive node, in the anterior primitive streak, to lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). Nodal signaling is important very early in development for mesoderm and endoderm formation and subsequent organization of left-right axial structures. It also has important functions in neural patterning, stem cell maintenance, and other developmental processes, including left/right handedness.

The primitive node serves as the primary organizer, producing NODAL, which acts as the signaling molecule for early embryonic development and gastrulation. Following the formation of the primitive node, secretion of NODAL induces local cell migration. Secondary signals such as DKK1 enable migration through upregulating or downregulating cell adhesion molecules, allowing movement and association with like cells.

Cranially or anteriorly, anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) develops as the first wave of NODAL induces migration of visceral endoderm relative to the primitive node. AVE begins secreting inhibitory factors such as Lefty quickly following NODAL expression and works to inhibit NODAL and establish anterior-posterior axis patterning.

NODAL is also known as HTX5.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing

Clinical Exome Sequencing