Calretinin

Term: CalretininDefinition: A protein used as a biomarker for diagnosing mesothelioma, a cancer often linked to asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (kal-reh-TEN-in)Origin: The term "calretinin" is derived from the words "calcium" and "retina," reflecting its initial discovery in the retina and its calcium-binding properties. It was first identified in the 1980s by researchers studying calcium-binding proteins.Significance in Asbestos Context: Calretinin is significant in the context of asbestos-related diseases because it helps differentiate mesothelioma from other types of lung cancers. Its presence in tissue samples can confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma, aiding in the medical and legal processes related to asbestos exposure claims.Example Sentence: The pathologist confirmed the presence of calretinin in the patient's biopsy, indicating a high likelihood of asbestos-related mesothelioma.Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Biomarker, Immunohistochemistry, Asbestosis, Pleural PlaquesNotes: - Calretinin is not exclusive to mesothelioma and can be found in other tissues. - Its use in diagnosis is typically part of a panel of markers, not a standalone test.