New Center will Investigate Causes of Birth Defects

In the past, the Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology, part of the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, has focused on animal biotechnology, bone and joint diseases, cancer, nutrition, and genetic research. April 25 marked the institute’s venture into a new research specialization – environmentally and genetically induced birth defects.

A special feature of the new center is its name – the Margaret M. Alkek Center for Environmental and Genetic Medicine. While Mrs. Alkek’s late husband Albert’s name graces a number of local landmarks, including the institute, this is the first time that a center has been named solely in honor of Mrs. Alkek.

Scientists at the new center will conduct basic and applied research into the effects of environmental exposures on biological systems and human health, on the identification of susceptible population groups, and on the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. One of the center’s key focuses will be an interdisciplinary toxicology program connecting the institute with various Texas Medical Center member institutions.

Dr. Richard Finnell, the institute’s director, said this center is the first new research center added to the Institute of Biosciences and Technology since 1994.

"Unfortunately, Houston is an ideal place to do this type of research," said Dr. Finnell, whose research interests include birth defects, "because not too far from here, in the Rio Grande valley, there are numerous cases of environmentally induced birth defects."

Dr. Stephen Safe will direct the Margaret M. Alkek Center. A Canadian native, Dr. Safe earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Queen’s University in Ontario, and his doctorate from Oxford University. Today, Dr. Safe is a Texas A&M University Distinguished Professor, and holds the Syd Kyle Chair in Toxicology.

"These are two fine scientists who will lead the activities in this new center, protecting our next generation with science and research," said Dr. Nancy Dickey, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center president and vice chancellor for health affairs.

The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, whose board Mrs. Alkek actively chairs, has a longtime history of supporting Houston’s medical and arts communities. Mrs. Alkek has made many financial contributions to scholarship and endowment programs, as well as to numerous state-of-the-art health care research and teaching institutions.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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