The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily is composed of numerous growth and differentiation factors, including TGFβ1-3, Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), growth/differentiation factor (GDF) 1-9, bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 2-8, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), Inhibin α, β-A, β-B and β-C, Lefty and Nodal. NODAL is problematically associated with the differentiation and development of many cancers. The expression of NODAL is regulated by a Notch signaling pathway, which when disrupted contributes to the aggressive behavior of metastatic cancer cells, particularly in melanoma.
