[Japanese Consortium for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis research (JaCALS)]

To investigate the longitudinal course of Japanese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we have designed a multicenter registration and follow-up system called Japanese Consortium for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis research (JaCALS). Genomic DNA samples and B-cell lines from patients with ALS were stored and linked to their clinical information. We designed a telephone survey system involving clinical research coordinators to check the patients' scores on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised and their prognoses every 3 months. In February 2006, we began registering patients with ALS. Currently, 30 neurology institutions are participating in the JaCALS, and 905 patients with ALS are registered. The JaCALS has established an efficient registration and follow-up system linking genomic information from patients with ALS. We believe this consortium will contribute to clinical research in ALS.