摘要: Nodal-related ligands of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily play central roles in patterning early embryo during induction mesoderm and endoderm specification left-right asymmetry. Additional for this pathway maintenance embryonic stem cell pluripotency carcinogenesis have been uncovered more recently. Consistent with its crucial developmental functions, Nodal signaling is tightly regulated by diverse mechanisms including control ligand processing, utilization co-receptors, expression soluble antagonists, as well positive- negative-feedback activities.