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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

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

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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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