Wikipedia

Elva Díaz

Elva Díaz, director of the pharmacology department at UC Davis,[1] is a researcher who specializes in developmental neurobiology, using rodents to study molecular mechanisms of brain development.[2] Diaz is a recipient of the National Institutes of Health Director's New Innovator Award, as well as the UC Davis ADVANCE Scholar Award.

Elva Díaz
Diaz in her office at UC Davis
Born
San Jose, California
Occupation(s)Professor, Department of Pharmacology at UC Davis
Academic background
Education
Alma materStanford University
ThesisMolecular analysis of mannose 6-phosphate receptor trafficking (1998)
Doctoral advisorSuzanne Pfeffer
Academic work
DisciplinePharmacologist

Early life and education

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Elva Denise Díaz[3] was born in San Jose, California; her parents were of Mexican origin.[4]

Díaz attended Harvard University for her undergraduate studies where she majored in Biomechanical Science.[2] She earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Stanford University.[2]

Research and career

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Díaz's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the development, function, and plasticity of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system (CNS).[2]

Díaz received a $40,000 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship in 2004. The purpose of her research was "to better understand the function of certain molecules in the development of brain tumors — particularly in medulloblastomas, the most common form in children — to determine why they develop in the first place".[5]

Díaz was also a 2009 recipient of a $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award.[6] The purposes of her studies were, "1) to reprogram brain tumor cells toward a more stem-like phenotype, 2) to characterize the tumorigenic potential of such reprogrammed tumor stem-like cell lines, and 3) to identify chemical compounds that specifically target the reprogrammed tumor stem-like cells."[7]

One of Díaz's core areas of research involves the exploration of the potential of pluripotent stem cells combined with immunotherapy to treat brain cancers.[8] Her research has identified that tumor cells in the brain form pseudo synapses with the CNS to take over nutrients and mimic normal cellular communications.[8]

Elva Díaz also investigates the dynamics of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, key components in fast synaptic transmission essential for memory in the brain.[9] Díaz's team has identified a protein called SynDIG4 that regulates this receptor movement, potentially enhancing memory strength.[9]

Díaz is chair of the UC Davis Neuroscience Graduate Program.[10]

Awards

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Selected publications

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References

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  1. ^ "Elva Diaz – The Grass Foundation". Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  2. ^ a b c d Doval, Calvin Y. (2019-11-07). "Elva Diaz, Ph.D. | Pharmacology and Toxicology". ptx.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  3. ^ a b O'Donnell, Thomas (2023-08-11). "Announcing the 2023 ADVANCE Scholar Award Recipients | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion". diversity.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  4. ^ "Faculty Mentors, Elva Díaz". Interdisciplinary Research Training Institute (IRTI). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  5. ^ Wood, Trina (Fall 2007). "Connections, From Bench to Bedside". UC Davis Magazine. 25 (1). Archived from the original on June 10, 2010. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  6. ^ "Governmsnt should invest more in scientific research". The Sacramento Bee. 2013-08-03. pp. A9. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  7. ^ a b "2009 Awardees | NIH Common Fund - Elva D. Diaz". commonfund.nih.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  8. ^ a b "Episode 21: Elva Diaz, PhD". Conjugate: Illustration and Science Blog. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  9. ^ a b Davis, Andy Fell-UC (2018-03-02). "Protein calls up 'reserves' to make stronger memories". Futurity. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  10. ^ Cummings, Kimberly Pearce (2021-07-03). "Elva Diaz, Ph.D. | ucdneuro". ucdneuro.sf.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  11. ^ a b "Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain | Benefunder". www.benefunder.com. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
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