University of New England

Medical student as an undergraduate biology major researched effect of PKC inhibition diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in today’s society and thus is a major topic of research interest in the nation. 

The development of diabetes leads to many complications in the individual, one of them being heart failure resulting from cardiomyopathy. 

In diabetic rats, abnormal excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in ventricular myocytes occurs early in the development of the disease.  This process is under much scrutiny.  It is known that in the diabetic mouse and rat hearts PKCbII and PKCd activities are upregulated (Way et al. 2001, Way et al. 2002). 

While finishing her B.S. in medical biology, Nathalie Dube ’04 worked on a year-long project under the supervision of Professor Amy Davidoff, Ph.D., to investigate this E-C coupling mechanism in diabetic rat heart cells.  Through the use of a sophisticated video-based detection system and a light microscope, Dube analyzed the effects Protein Kinase C (PKC) had on the inhibition of this mechanism.  Her hypothesis was that inhibition of certain PKC isoforms will improve mechanical function in cultured diabetic cardiomyocytes.

Like Dube, a number of undergraduate students at UNE have become involved in scientific research. She first began exploring the possibilities her junior year by talking to Professors Davidoff and  Edward Bilsky, Ph.D.

Her participation in this project would not have been possible without the funding from a grant given to undergraduate students by the American Physiological Society.  Professors Davidoff and Bilsky, both of whom are associate professors in the Department of Pharmacology in the UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine, were instrumental in the acquisition of funding, an example of the support that UNE faculty provide to undergraduate students who pursue their research interests. 

Although most of Dube’s research was done in Dr. Davidoff’s lab, she also assisted with projects in Dr. Bilsky’s lab.  This exposed her to opioid pharmacology and how it pertains to chronic pain and drug addiction.  Dube had the opportunity to attend various research conferences in 2003-2004.  She presented a poster at the New England Pharmacology conference held in Portland, Maine and a poster and a presentation at the FASEB conference in Washington D.C. 

Growing Up in Madawaska
Dube grew up in Madawaska, Maine.  When she began her research project in 2003, lab work was not new to her.

During the summers of 2001 and 2002, she worked in the Nexfor Fraser paper mill lab in Madawaska, testing paper samples to make certain the mill's computers were properly reading the texture and quality of the paper.

Medical School
As she conducted her research during her senior year, Dube also applied to medical schools. Dube's commitment to research and service was good preparation for the rigors of medical school, Dr. Bilsky notes.

"Completing meaningful undergraduate research projects requires a tremendous time commitment from our students," he explains. "Nathalie was extremely reliable and dedicated to her project. She was also willing to help out with other projects in the laboratory and volunteered additional hours doing outreach work with Biddeford High School students."

Dube entered UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall of 2004.  She is now in her 2nd year at UNECOM and says that her degree in medical biology from UNE and her experience in research helped her smoothly make the transition into medical school. 

When Dube was recently asked on what she anticipates doing after graduating from UNECOM she said,"I would like to do general medicine, probably family practice or internal medicine. I am looking forward to getting out there and taking care of patients while also gaining insight in clinical medicine.”  She starts clinical rotations fall 2006.

(Last updated February 2006)

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