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Updated: May 15, 2026
07:18
Optogenetic Signaling Activation in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: October 27, 2023
Nodal signalling in embryogenesis and tumourigenesis
Daniela F Quail1, Gabrielle M Siegers, Michael Jewer
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario and Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|January 8, 2013
Summary
Nodal, an embryonic morphogen, is re-expressed in advanced cancers, promoting tumourigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Understanding Nodal signalling in normal and cancer cells is crucial for developing new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Signalling
Background:
- Most adult cells lose stem cell protein expression, differentiating into tissue-specific cells.
- Cancer cells can revert to a stem-cell-like state, utilizing stem cell proteins.
- Nodal, a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily member, is crucial for embryogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on Nodal signalling in normal development and cancer.
- To emphasize Nodal's role in morphogenic events and stem cell maintenance.
- To highlight Nodal's function in supporting tumour progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Nodal signalling.
- Analysis of Nodal's role in embryogenesis and various malignancies.
- Emphasis on Nodal's regulation in normal and neoplastic conditions.
Main Results:
- Nodal expression is normally restricted to embryonic and reproductive tissues.
- Nodal re-emerges during cancer progression in various malignancies.
- Acquisition of Nodal expression correlates with increased tumourigenesis, invasion, and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Nodal signalling is reactivated in cancer, supporting tumour progression.
- Understanding Nodal regulation is essential for targeting cancer stem cell phenotypes.
- Nodal represents a potential therapeutic target for invasive cancers.
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