The fourth annual California ALS Research Summit brought together clinicians and basic scientists from most major medical centers throughout California for a 2 day highly interactive conference. Convened on the UCSF Fresno campus, the conference brought together this unique group of physician-scientists dedicated to finding treatments for patients with ALS and related motor neuron diseases.
The focused topics of discussion included stem cell developments and trials throughout the state, recent genetic discoveries linking frontotemporal dementia and ALS, the role of RNA in disease mechanisms and innovative ongoing clinical trials throughout California.
Several key research and clinical collaborations were initiated during the meeting, bringing together Centers and Institutions that have not previously worked together.
A statewide consortium on screening biomarkers, tracking genetic mutations and alternative diagnostic strategies followed the meeting and was initiated by the spirit of cooperation established throughout the Conference.
