Pediatric Research Center

The Pediatric Research Center (PRC) is the basic science research division of the Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. The PRC is home to leading research scientists whose work focuses on identifying the causes of birth defects/disabilities and developmental disorders. These conditions affect approximately 25 percent of newborns and children, inflicting significant morbidity, and are the leading cause of mortality in this group. Diagnostic, multiple medical, and long-term care interventions are needed to manage these newborns and children, translating into significant healthcare burdens for patients, families, and society.

Vision

To uncover the causes of birth defects in order to develop both prevention strategies and treatments to cure sick children

Mission

To understand the causes of cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, kidney and cardiovascular malformations, and disorders resulting from abnormal cartilage and bone growth