Definition:
Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein that is often used as a biomarker in pathology to help identify certain types of cells, particularly in diagnosing mesothelioma, a cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
Phonetic Pronunciation:
(Kal-reh-TIN-in)
Etymological Origin:
The term "calretinin" is derived from "calcium," referring to its role in calcium binding, and "retinin," which relates to its initial discovery in the retina. It was first identified in the late 20th century as part of research into calcium-binding proteins.
Significance in Asbestos Context:
Calretinin is significant in the field of asbestos because it is a key immunohistochemical marker used to differentiate mesothelioma from other cancers, such as lung adenocarcinoma. Since mesothelioma is a primary disease caused by asbestos exposure, calretinin plays a crucial role in confirming diagnoses, which can impact treatment decisions and legal cases involving asbestos-related diseases.
Synonyms or Related Terms:
Example Sentence:
"Pathologists often test for calretinin to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma in patients with a history of asbestos exposure."
Common Misconceptions:
