Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables receptor ligand activity. Involved in several processes, including determination of left/right asymmetry in lateral mesoderm; nodal signaling pathway; and positive regulation of angiogenesis. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including axis specification; embryonic morphogenesis; and regulation of embryonic development. Located in extracellular region. Is expressed in several structures, including ectoderm; egg cylinder; embryo mesoderm; gonad; and primitive streak. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in visceral heterotaxy. Orthologous to human NODAL (nodal growth differentiation factor).