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Researcher finds ‘great opportunity’ at MUSC by Michael Baker Public Relations In the six months since she came to MUSC, Monika Gupta, M.D., clinical instructor of medicine, has proven herself quite capable of doing two things: furthering her research and impressing people along the way. Dr. Monika Gupta Gupta arrived at MUSC in July after completing her residency and fellowship programs at the State University of New York’s Stony Brook Medical University. Although the move provided a drastic change in scenery, MUSC’s professional appeal overshadowed everything else. “I came here because I saw a great opportunity,” she said. “MUSC has a very strong bench research program.”  At MUSC, Gupta conducts extensive bench research on the progression of kidney disease. Specifically, she studies methods of preventing end-stage renal disease. End-stage renal disease represents the  final stage of any kidney disease. At that point, the affected kidneys cease functioning, and without dialysis, the patient dies. Rather than directly researching end-stage renal disease, however, Gupta studies interstitial fibrosis—a common pathway to kidney failure. “Rather than constantly working to stop the progression of end-stage renal disease,” she said, “I’m trying to find the process that leads to interstitial fibrosis.” She explained that by determining what causes interstitial fibrosis, doctors can prevent end stage renal disease from developing. Gupta focuses on epithelial mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT), a process that leads to interstitial fibrosis. In EMT, tubular epipthelial cells convert to myofibroblasts. The conversion is important because the activation of myofibroblasts causes interstitial fibrosis. Given her relatively short tenure at MUSC, her studies are still developing. In the meantime, Gupta also acts as medical director of the DCI-East Cooper Dialysis Unit in Mount Pleasant. As an administrative member of the unit, she holds responsibility for 50 patients on dialysis, as well as the unit’s staff members. Gupta’s ability to handle an extensive workload in such a short amount of time reflects her comfort level at MUSC. She spoke highly of the university's faculty, especially David Ploth, M.D., and John Raymond, M.D. Gupta credits both men with helping her integrate into the university so quickly. “Both of them have been exceptionally helpful and supportive,” she said. “They’re really involved in the mentoring process.” As grateful as she was for their help, the men were equally impressed with her reputation and body of work.  In Ploth’s case, he welcomed Gupta to MUSC with high expectations, and he has not been disappointed. “She trained with one of my colleagues at SUNY,” Ploth said, “and he recommended her as strongly as he’s ever recommended anybody. There was never any hesitation in wanting her to join us. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with her.”   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.