Scientists have discovered a gene that carries a protein linked to liver cancer, paving the way for treatment targeting the pro-inflammatory protein.

Researchers from Georgia Health Sciences University Cancer Centre found that laboratory mice bred without the gene lacked a protein called TREM-1 which protected them from developing liver cancer after exposure to carcinogens.

"We have long suspected that chronic inflammation is a very powerful tool in the initiation of cancer, and also in progression or metastasis of cancer," lead researcher Dr Anatolij Horuzsko, said.

"We (looked) at the molecules that control inflammatory responses to gain a better understanding of how this process works. One important triggering receptor for inflammation is TREM-1," he said. TREM-1's role in promoting inflammation is useful in cases such as battling viral or bacterial infections and maintaining normal tissue function.

The team found in abnormal conditions such as liver damage due to alcohol abuse or other irritants, production of TREM-1 goes haywire.

The team hopes the findings will be applicable to other cancers as well.

The study was published in journal Cancer Research.