Scientists have identified a molecule that may be key to understanding the cause of motor neurone disease (MND) and other neurodegenerative conditions.

The insight opens up the possibilities for developing new treatments to treat the illnesses, according to researchers from University College and King's College London.

More than 280 people live with MND in Scotland. The condition causes progressive paralysis, loss of speech and impaired ability to eat and drink.

Professor Patricia Salinas, the lead researcher, and colleague Dr Simon Hughes have found that a signalling molecule called Wnt3 has a crucial role in creating connections - or synapses - between nerves and the muscles they control.

Ms Salinas added: "Without properly formed synapses, the muscle cannot receive the nerve signal that tells it to contract, and hence we see the muscle weakness that is classic in MND. If we can build up a thorough picture to show how synapses are normally formed between nerves and muscles, we can start to look for any elements that aren't working properly in people with MND. This might also lead to strategies for nerve repair after an injury."