title: NODAL signaling components regulate essential events in the establishment of pregnancy.
abstract: Successful mammalian reproduction is dependent on a receptive and nurturing uterine environment. In order to establish pregnancy in humans, the uterus must i) be adequately prepared to receive the blastocyst, ii) engage in a coordinated molecular dialog with the embryo to facilitate implantation, and iii) undergo endometrial decidualization. Although numerous factors have been implicated in these essential processes, the precise network of molecular interactions that govern receptivity, embryo implantation, and decidualization remain unclear. NODAL, a morphogen in the transforming growth factor β superfamily, is well known for its critical functions during embryogenesis; however, recent studies have demonstrated an emerging role for NODAL signaling during early mammalian reproduction. Here, we review the established data and a recent wave of new studies implicating NODAL signaling components in uterine cycling, embryo implantation, and endometrial decidualization in humans and mice.
authors.affiliation: Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine Avenue West, Room F3-24,Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Craig B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dufort
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000235:genetics*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D055457:Nodal Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: C526007:NODAL protein, human; D055457:Nodal Protein