Molecular and Human Genetics Chair's Message

I am pleased to introduce you to the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. Our mission is to transform medicine with the science and practice of genetics and genomics. The integrated research, clinical and diagnostic activities housed within our department have made us a leader in the implementation of genomic medicine. 

The Department remains the top-ranked genetics program, ranking first among other U.S. genetic departments in total awarded funding and number of grants from the National Institutes of Health for more than thirteen years.

We continue to lead in the diagnostic testing arena with Baylor Genetics, our joint venture with H.U. Group Holdings, Inc. This jointly governed laboratory continues to support the academic mission and innovation of the department while promising to extend the impact of genetic diagnostic testing worldwide. 

Our faculty continue to deliver our clinical, training and research missions at home and abroad through our ongoing global partnerships.

In addition, new and continuing consortia with the NIH and industry are leading to new gene discoveries and advancements in the implementation of genetics and genomics in medicine. These consortia include the All of Us program, GREGoR: Genomic Research to Elucidate the Genetics of Rare diseases, the Knockout Mouse Phenotyping Program, the Center for Precision Medicine Models, Clinical Genome Resource, Clinical Sequencing Evidence-Generating Research, and multiple consortia in the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network.

The Baylor College of Medicine Undiagnosed Diseases Center (UDC) houses our NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Network clinical site and continues to provide clinical services and genetic testing and analysis to assess patients who have not received a diagnosis for their condition. The NIH-supported Project GIVE study has also advanced in its mission to address disparity in access to genomic care for underserved families in the Rio Grande Valley and in west Texas. Both the Undiagnosed Diseases Center and Project GIVE utilize the Consultagene platform to provide access to genetic evaluation, peer-to-peer consultation and genetic counseling. 

Baylor’s All of Us Evenings with Genetics Research Scholar Program is now in its third year and has completed two successful Biomedical Researcher Faculty Summits. 

The future holds much promise due to the talent and dedication of our renowned faculty, trainees and staff. I consider myself privileged to be a part of this exciting and vital effort.

Best regards,

Brendan Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
Robert and Janice McNair Endowed Chair in Molecular and Human Genetics