Nicastrin is an integral part of the Alzheimers associated gamma-secretase complex. Nicalin, a nicastrin-like protein, is not associated with gamma-secretase but rather interacts with NOMO (Nodal modulator). Nodals are TGF beta signaling factors that control various cell fate decisions during embryonic body planning stages in vertebrate development. The Nicalin/NOMO complex acts to regulate the nodal signaling factors during gastrulation. This regulation most often affects the development of the axial mesoderm. Nodal signaling is an important factor for melanoma cell invasiveness and tumorigenicity and inhibition of this signal can promote melanoma cells reverting back toward a melanocyte phenotype.