Mesothelioma researchers have made a discovery that could help monitor the progression of a tumor and may even eliminate the tumor development completely.

The team of researcher studied the enzyme p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) which is a biological indicator of cancer growth.  The team discovered that the enzyme is activated in mesenchymal cells which are the connective tissues in the body, blood, and lymphatic vessels, and not in the epithelial cells as once believed.

The discovery also found that Erbin, a protein in the body, controls Merlin, a gene which suppresses tumors.  Researchers said they found that a protein called Erbin, in cooperation with the NF2 tumor suppressor Merlin, controls the outcome.

Tumors are formed when Merlin is absent from cells.  As long as there is Merlin in cells, the threat of cancer is greatly reduced.  Mutations in Merlin were found in 40 percent of the mesothelioma cases studied by a Swiss group.

Erbin and Merlin are closely related and together help prevent PAK2 activity which prevents tumor growth.  Without Erbin and Merlin, a growth factor protein known as beta (TGF-B) stimulates PAK2 growth.

The discovery is very important because it may allow future researchers to identify how tumor growth can be stopped and reduce mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is typically caused by asbestos exposure. People who work in refineries and smelters or on construction sites and at shipyards in the U.S. Navy are particularly at risk for asbestos exposure leading to asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.