Researchers at Texas Medical Center are collaborating to support the development of future specialists in kidney, urologic, and hematologic (KUH) research. Baylor College of Medicine and partner institutions have secured $6.25 million over five years from the National Institutes of Health to establish the Houston Area Incubator for Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Research Training (HAI-KUH).
Houston faces a high prevalence of kidney diseases, hypertension, sickle cell disease, and other nonmalignant blood disorders. The HAI-KUH program aims to address these health challenges by training a new generation of scientists focused on KUH conditions. The initiative will use resources across the Texas Medical Center to help students and trainees develop research skills needed for long-term careers in this field.
The program plans to support six predoctoral students and six postdoctoral associates each year through a competitive selection process. These trainees will receive mentorship in scientific research as well as opportunities for professional growth and networking.
A total of 58 investigators from multiple institutions—including Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), University of Houston (UH), Houston Methodist, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rice University, and Texas A&M University Institute of Biosciences and Technology—will participate in HAI-KUH. This multidisciplinary group works on various aspects related to KUH diseases such as development, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Trainees will be able to collaborate with experts across different organizations and disciplines.
Dr. Alison Bertuch from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital; Dr. Peter Doris from UT Health Houston; and Dr. Margaret Goodell from Baylor will serve as principal investigators for the project. Additional leadership includes Drs. Chester Koh (Baylor/Texas Children’s), Rachel Miller (UT Health Houston), Rayne Rouce (Baylor/Texas Children’s) as core leads; along with co-investigators Drs. Wolfgang Winkelmeyer (Baylor), Oleh Pochynyuk (UTHealth Houston), Jeffrey Rimer (UH), Rose Khavari (Houston Methodist), and Pamela Wenzel (UT Health Houston).
"This work is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (U2CDK143942 and TL1DK147564)."
