Glossary - A to B

The stem cells present after the very earliest stages of development. They are already partially specialised and the number of cell types they can give rise to may be limited.

Clumps of cellular structures and proteins (e.g. neurofilaments) that have stuck together because of abnormal changes to their structure. The aggregations can no longer perform their normal function and may also disrupt other processes, such as transport within the cell.

A chemical that amplifies the effect of a substance already produced by the body, such as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters carry signals across the small gaps between one nerve and the next.

The most common form of Motor Neurone Disease, affecting around two-thirds of those diagnosed. ALS affects both upper motor neurones (those carrying messages out from the brain to the spinal cord) and lower motor neurones (those carrying messages from the spinal cord to the muscles). Find out more about different types of MND.

Any of a group of 20 substances that form the building blocks of proteins in all living things. The sequence of amino acids in a protein and hence the structure of the protein is determined by the genetic code in DNA. Single amino acids may also have distinct functions e.g. glutamate, which carries signals between nerves in the central nervous system.

Involved in the regulation of blood supply in the body but may also be related to motor neurone health; a small number of studies have suggested that a specific variation in this gene occurs more commonly in people with MND than in the general population. See also VEGF.

Animals or animals’ cells that show characteristics of a human condition such as MND. They are a valuable tool for research into the causes and treatment of disease.

A substance that helps protect cells against the damaging effects of free radicals (highly reactive toxic molecules) and oxidative stress. Examples include vitamin E, vitamin C and b-carotene, which come from the diet, as well as substances produced by the body itself.

The entry of secretions, food or other foreign bodies into the windpipe.

A star shaped glial cell found in the central nervous system that supports and protects nerve cells. Astrocytes also form part of the blood-brain barrier.

Loss of balance.

Progressive loss of muscle mass, sometimes referred to as muscle-wasting; in the case of MND this is caused by inactivity of the muscles.

The long thin extension of a nerve cell that carries the impulse, or message, to the next cell.

A neurotrophic factor (a nerve-nourishing substance) that has undergone trials as a treatment for MND. Although the trials were unsuccessful due to the side effects of BDNF, valuable lessons were learned about drug administration routes.

Laboratory-based research aimed at increasing understanding of cellular mechanisms in health and disease.

The use of biological processes, organisms or systems to manufacture products usually intended to improve the quality of human life. For example, bacteria that have been given the genetic instructions to make human insulin are used to produce insulin medication for diabetics.

A protective barrier in the brain formed by blood vessels and glial cells (cells that support and maintain nerve cells). It prevents some substances in the blood from entering the brain and spinal cord.

Muscles in the head and neck that control speech, chewing and swallowing.

Symptoms involving the impairment of speech and swallowing.