Cooperation and regulatory loops of multiple nodals are essential for mesendoderm patterning in early embryos. Essential for mesoderm formation and axial patterning during embryonic development. Activates the activin-like signaling pathway to induce dorsal and ventral mesoderm in animal cap ectoderm. In addition, also dorsalizes ventral marginal zone (VMZ) tissues during gastrulation. Acts in a downstream signaling cascade via cripto and cer1 to mediate cardiogenesis in embryonic mesoderm. Directs the orientation of the left-right axis by driving the left-specific gene cascade in the left lateral plate mesoderm (By similarity). Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Interacts with, and is inhibited by cer1 and gdf10/bmp3b. Belongs to the TGF-beta family.