Tiny little genetically engineered mice called "knock-out mice" may one day helpus understand how our bodies work. At the University of Prince Edward Island, Catherine is part of a research team that has created the mice to study how insulin is secreted in the body. Their work is groundbreaking and innovative in determining the causes of abnormal insulin levels in diabetic and obese people.

The "knock-out mice" have been engineered so that one of their genes won't translate into a protein. Because this ability of the gene has been "knocked-out," the mice show high levels of insulin secretion in their bodies, proving that the "knocked-out" protein is important in regulating insulin levels in normal animals. Though research has just begun, Catherine and her team hope to prove that this protein plays a role in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which develops later on in people. The ultimate goal is to prevent this disease or to provide better treatments for the disease.

Catherine and her team are currently applying for a United States patent on the study of insulin secretions using "knock-out" mice. Obtaining a patent in Canada may be more difficult. Up to August, 2000, Canada only allowed the patenting of single-celled organisms, mainly bacteria and yeast cells, which have been bio-engineered to eliminate pollutants and or to do specific industrial jobs. However, a patent was recently awarded to Harvard University for the genetically engineered "oncomouse," opening the door for further patents for more advanced genetically engineered life forms. Extending patents to higher species is a new frontier that will no doubt generate a lot of discussion.

About the Inventor

Catherine is a trailblazer who is conducting research using 21st century science. A physiologist, she has a very specialized interest – the regulation of insulin secretion, particularly in diabetes and obesity. Her research could one day lead to the discovery of new ways of understanding (and possibly of producing) insulin.

Born in British Columbia, she was awarded her Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in 1986. In 1988, she was appointed to the faculty of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island.

Her work has kept her very busy. She says that the best parts of working at the university are the constant intellectual challenge, the opportunity to learn new things every day, and the energy and excitement that students bring to research.

As a female scientist, her experiences have been mainly positive. Catherine says, "I have always had tremendous support from people like my Ph.D. supervisor, my parents, my husband, my institution and my colleagues."