A program this month will shed light on the genetic roots of multiple sclerosis featuring adult and pediatric experts at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

"Multiple Sclerosis: The Genetic Connection" will provide current information on patient care, education, and research on the neurodegenerative disorder. Speakers will include Dr. Jennifer Northrop, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM; Dr. George Hutton, assistant professor of neurology at BCM and assistant medical director at the Maxine Mesinger Multiple Sclerosis Clinic; and Dr. Timothy Lotze, assistant professor of pediatrics and neurology at BCM and clinical director of the Center for Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis at Texas Children's Hospital.

Sponsored by PerkinElmer, Inc. with support from the Lone Star Chapter of the National MS Society, the event is part of a monthly "Evening with Genetics" lecture series organized by BCM's department of molecular and human genetics to spotlight a variety of genetics topics. The goal is to inform patients, their families, and the community in general about clinical issues affecting people with genetic conditions, to provide updates on current research, and to offer aid in the form of family-to-family support.

The program takes place at 7 p.m. March 21 at The Children's Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz. It costs $5 per person and is open to the public. Parking is free, and refreshments will be provided. To register, call 832-822-4182. Spanish translation will be available.