Mesothelin

Term: MesothelinDefinition: Mesothelin is a protein that is overexpressed in certain cancers, including mesothelioma, and can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.Phonetic Pronunciation: (meh-zoh-THEE-lin)Origin: The term "mesothelin" is derived from the Greek words "mesos," meaning middle, and "thele," meaning nipple, referring to the mesothelial cells where the protein is normally expressed. It was first identified in the late 20th century as researchers sought to understand the molecular basis of certain cancers.Significance in Asbestos Context: Mesothelin is significant in the context of asbestos because it is often elevated in individuals with asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma. It serves as a valuable tool for early detection and monitoring of disease progression, which can be crucial for legal cases involving asbestos exposure and related health claims.Example Sentence: "Elevated levels of mesothelin in the patient's blood were used as evidence to support the diagnosis of asbestos-related mesothelioma in the legal proceedings."Related Terms: Biomarker, Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, ELISA, SerumNotes: - Mesothelin levels can be measured through various methods, including blood tests and immunohistochemistry. - While mesothelin is a useful biomarker, it is not exclusively indicative of asbestos-related diseases and can be elevated in other conditions as well.