Biological Role of Nodal Modulator: A Comprehensive Review of the Last Two Decades.

Nodal modulator (NOMO) is a type I transmembrane protein that is conserved in various human tissues. Humans have three highly similar NOMO proteins, namely NOMO1, NOMO2, and NOMO3. These three proteins are closely related and may have similar functions. NOMO has been identified as a part of a protein complex that mediates a wide range of biological processes such as tumor formation, bone and cartilage formation, embryo formation, facial asymmetry, and development of congenital heart disease. To date, a few studies have focused on the role of NOMO; however, the mechanism underlying its effects remains unknown. To improve our understanding regarding NOMO, we reviewed the role of NOMO in different diseases and investigated the mechanism underlying its effects.