Elva Díaz Explained

Elva Díaz
Occupation:Professor, Department of Pharmacology at UC Davis
Education:
  • 1993: B.A., Biochemical Sciences, Harvard University
  • 1999: Ph.D., Biochemistry, Stanford University
  • 2003: Postdoc, Developmental Neurobiology, UC Berkeley
Alma Mater:Stanford University
Birth Place:San Jose, California
Discipline:Pharmacologist
Doctoral Advisor:Suzanne Pfeffer
Thesis Title:Molecular analysis of mannose 6-phosphate receptor trafficking
Thesis Year:1998
Thesis Url:https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/L140743

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.

Early life and education

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

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

Research and career

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

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".[4]

Díaz was also a 2009 recipient of a $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award.[5] 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."[6]

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.[7] 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.

Elva Díaz also investigates the dynamics of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, key components in fast synaptic transmission essential for memory in the brain.[8] Díaz's team has identified a protein called SynDIG4 that regulates this receptor movement, potentially enhancing memory strength.

Díaz is chair of the UC Davis Neuroscience Graduate Program.[9]

Awards

Selected publications

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Elva Diaz – The Grass Foundation . 2024-04-29 . en-US.
  2. Web site: Doval . Calvin Y. . 2019-11-07 . Elva Diaz, Ph.D. Pharmacology and Toxicology . 2024-04-24 . ptx.ucdavis.edu . en.
  3. Web site: Faculty Mentors, Elva Díaz . 2024-04-25 . Interdisciplinary Research Training Institute (IRTI) . en-US.
  4. Wood . Trina . Fall 2007 . Connections, From Bench to Bedside . dead . UC Davis Magazine . 25 . 1 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100610162603/http://ucdavismagazine.ucdavis.edu/issues/fall07/connections.html . June 10, 2010 . September 1, 2024.
  5. News: 2013-08-03 . Governmsnt should invest more in scientific research . 2024-09-01 . The Sacramento Bee . A9.
  6. Web site: 2009 Awardees NIH Common Fund - Elva D. Diaz . 2024-04-25 . commonfund.nih.gov.
  7. Web site: Episode 21: Elva Diaz, PhD . 2024-04-24 . Conjugate: Illustration and Science Blog . en-US.
  8. Web site: Davis . Andy Fell-UC . 2018-03-02 . Protein calls up 'reserves' to make stronger memories . 2024-04-29 . Futurity . en-US.
  9. Web site: Cummings . Kimberly Pearce . 2021-07-03 . Elva Diaz, Ph.D. ucdneuro . 2024-09-01 . ucdneuro.sf.ucdavis.edu . en.
  10. Web site: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain Benefunder . 2024-04-26 . www.benefunder.com.
  11. Web site: O'Donnell . Thomas . 2023-08-11 . Announcing the 2023 ADVANCE Scholar Award Recipients Diversity, Equity & Inclusion . 2024-06-24 . diversity.ucdavis.edu . en.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Elva Díaz".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.