Nodal Homolog (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.