Transcription factor that controls node morphogenesis (PubMed:15231714, PubMed:17884984, PubMed:18061569, PubMed:22357932). Acts downstream of both FOXA2 and Brachyury (T) during notochord development (PubMed:15231714). Is essential for cilia formation in the posterior notochord (PNC) and for left-right patterning; acts upstream of FOXJ1 and RFX3 in this process and is required for the expression of various components important for axonemal assembly and function (PubMed:17884984). Plays a role in regulating axial versus paraxial cell fate (PubMed:18061569). Activates the transcription of ciliary proteins C11orf97 homolog, FAM183B and SPACA9 in the embryonic ventral node (PubMed:27914912). First detected at 7.5 dpc in the node at the distal tip of the egg cylinder and is largely confined to the ventral node. Between 8 dpc and 9 dpc, highly expressed in the node and newly formed notochord. At 12.5 dpc, expression is confined to the notochordal plate and caudal portion of the notochord. Defects in Noto are the cause of the truncate (tc) phenotype. Truncate (tc) is a recessive mutation that affects the development of the caudal notochord. Mice homozygous for tc are viable but viability is reduced, which is attributed at least in part to spinal injury in the sacral and lower lumbar region.