Research

These terms are commonly used in research related publications and amongst researchers.

These terms may also apply to the General Terms and Medical Terms definition list.

ALS Research and ALS Researcher Terms

Astroglia

Collectively known as astroglia, they are made up of individual astrocytes, and are the most common cell of the brain.

TDP-43

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), is a cellular protein which in humans is encoded by the TARDBP gene.

on-off effect

A change in the patient's condition. It's sometimes a rapid fluctuation between uncontrolled movements and normal movement. This usually occurs after long-term use of Levodopa and is probably caused by changes in the ability to respond to the drug.

Chromosome 9

Mutations in the ALS2, SETX, SOD1, and VAPB genes cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Humans normally have 46 chromosomes in each cell. These chromosomes are divided into 23 pairs. Each person has two copies of chromosome 9, one was inherited from each parent.

Biomarker

A biomarker is a biochemical feature used to measure the progress of disease or the effects of treatment. More specifically, a biomarker, also known as a biological marker, is a substance used as an indicator of a biological state.

Clinical trial

A clinical trial is used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of medications or medical devices. Effectiveness of a drug or device within a clinical trial is measured by monitoring the effects on a large groups of people, known as a pool or segment. In clinical trials volunteers are often used, but in some cases, trial members may be paid for their participation.

Oligodendrocytes

An oligodendrocyte is a type of neuroglia found in the central nervous system of invertebrates and vertebrates. In humans, the oligodendrocyte are found in the brain and are a variety of neuroglia. The oligodendrocyte functions to produce myelin, an insulating sheath on the axons of nerve fibres. The name 'Oligodendrocytes' originates from a Greek word meaning 'cells with a few branches'.

neuroglia

Neuroglia, also called Glial cells, are non-neuronal cells which form myelin, maintain homeostasis and provide protection and support for neurons in the brain. They also provide the same duties for neurons in other parts of the nervous system. In the human brain, there is approximately one glia, or neuroglia, for every neuron.

axonal transport

Axonal transport, also called Axoplasmic transport, is a cell process that is responsible for moving mitochondria, synaptic vesicles, lipids, proteins, and other cell parts into and out of a neuron's cell body. The process goes through the cytoplasm of its own axon.

Pages