Acetylcholine

A chemical substance which helps to transmit a signal from the nerve to the muscle causing it to contract.

Acetylcholine receptors (AChR's)

Proteins found in the membrane surrounding the muscle cell to which acetylcholine binds.

Amino acids

The ‘building blocks’ of proteins. The sequence of
amino acids determines the shape, properties and role of the protein.


Amniocentesis

The removal of a sample of amniotic fluid (the fluid around an unborn baby) for prenatal testing. Cells in the fluid are tested for certain abnormalities.

Animal models

Animals with conditions similar to those affecting humans can be used to study disease processes (particularly the roles of different proteins) and test potential therapies.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the body’s immune system
in response to the entry of ‘foreign’ material into
the body.


Antisense technology

Antisense refers to a short sequence of genetic material (DNA or RNA) called an oligonucleotide which can bind to a specific piece of genetic code and change how the code is read. The technique can be used experimentally as a ‘molecular patch’ to overcome small errors in the genetic code, or to block parts of the gene.

Atrophy

Muscle wasting

Autoimmune disorders

Conditions in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s own cells (for example, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis and Myasthenia Gravis).

Autologous

The body’s own tissues or DNA.

Autosomal inheritance

Autosomes are the non-X and Y chromosomes (known as the sex chromosomes). Autosomal inheritance means an abnormal gene can affect either sex and can be dominant or recessive.

Axon

An extension of a neuron which carries a signal to target cells such as muscle cells.