Draft:Elva Diaz

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Dr. Elva Díaz

Dr. Elva Díaz is a pharmacology[1][2] professor and researcher who specializes in developmental neurobiology and molecular mechanisms of neural development[3][4]. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding excitatory synapse development function and plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS)[3]. Some of her interests include understanding molecular mechanisms of neural development using a rodent model system[2], with the area of synapse development[5].

Elva Díaz
Born
Citizenship USA
Occupation(s)Pharmacology Professor and Researcher at UC Davis
Academic background
EducationB.A., in Biochemical Sciences, 1993

Ph.D., in Biochemistry, 1999

Postdoc, in Developmental Neurobiology, 2003
Alma materHarvard University, B.A.

Stanford University, Ph.D.

UC Berkeley, Postdoc

Early Life and Education

Dr. Elva Díaz was born to Mexican immigrant parents who moved to California during their childhood[6]. Dr. Díaz attended Harvard University for her undergraduate studies where she majored in Biomechanical Science[4] and earned a PhD in Biochemistry at Stanford University[4].

Research and Career

Dr. Díaz’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the development, function, and plasticity of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system (CNS)[4]. Díaz is a recipient of the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award[7].

One of Dr. Díaz’s core areas of research involve the exploration of the potential of pluripotent stem cells combined with immunotherapy to treat brain cancers[5]. In her research she has identified that tumor cells in the brain form pseudo synapses with the CNS to take over nutrients and mimic normal cellular communications[5].

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[8].

Throughout her career, Dr. Díaz has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the field of neuroscience[5]. She actively promotes the involvement of underrepresented groups in scientific research and emphasizes the importance of holistic mentoring approaches that consider diverse cultural backgrounds and personal experiences[5].

Awards[edit]

Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship, 1999[9]

Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, 2004[9]

NIH Director's New Innovator Award, 2014[9][7]

Principal Investigator, UC Davis Academic Senate, 2013-2014[9]

Principal Investigator, Hartwell Foundation, 2012-2015[9]

Principal Investigator, NSF, 2013-2016[9]

Selected Publications[edit]

  1. Matt, Lucas; Kirk, Lyndsey M; Chenaux, George; Speca, David J; Puhger, Kyle R; Pride, Michael C; Qneibi, Mohammad; Haham, Tomer; Plambeck, Kristopher E; Stern-Bach, Yael; Silverman, Jill L; Crawley, Jacqueline N; Hell, Johannes W; Díaz, Elva (February 27, 2018). "SynDIG4/Prrt1 Is Required for Excitatory Synapse Development and Plasticity Underlying Cognitive Function". Cell Reports. 22 (9): 2246–2253. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2018.02.026. PMC 5856126. PMID 29490264.
  2. Chenaux, George; Matt, Lucas; Hill, Travis C; Kaur, Inderpreet; Liu, Xiao-Bo; Kirk, Lyndsey M; Speca, David J; McMahon, Samuel A; Zito, Karen; Hell, Johannes W; Díaz, Elva (October 21, 2016). "Loss of SynDIG1 Reduces Excitatory Synapse Maturation But Not Formation In Vivo". eNeuro. 3 (5). doi:10.1523/ENEURO.0130-16.2016. PMC 5073248. PMID 27800545.
  3. Kaur, Inderpreet; Yarov-Yarovoy, Vladimir; Kirk, Lyndsey M; Plambeck, Kristopher E; Barragan, Eden V; Ontiveros, Eric S; Díaz, Elva (July 20, 2016). "Activity-Dependent Palmitoylation Controls SynDIG1 Stability, Localization, and Function". Journal of Neuroscience. 36 (29): 7562–7568. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4859-14.2016. PMC 4951570. PMID 27445135.
  4. Kirk, Lyndsey M; Ti, Shu W; Bishop, Hannah I; Orozco-Llamas, Mayra; Pham, Michelle; Trimmer, James S; Díaz, Elva (August 1, 2016). "Distribution of the SynDIG4/proline-rich transmembrane protein 1 in rat brain". Journal of Comparative Neurology. 524 (11): 2266–2280. doi:10.1002/cne.23945. PMC 4892943. PMID 26660156.
  5. Barisone, Gustavo A; Ngo, Tin; Tran, Martin; Cortes, Daniel; Shahi, Mehdi H; Nguyen, Tuong-Vi; Perez-Lanza, Danial; Matayasuwan, Wanna; Díaz, Elva (July 10, 2012). "Role of MXD3 in proliferation of DAOY human medulloblastoma cells". PLOS ONE. 7 (7): e38508. Bibcode:2012PLoSO...738508B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0038508. PMC 3393725. PMID 22808009.
  6. Kalashnikova, Evgenia; Lorca, Ramón A; Kaur, Inderpreet; Barisone, Gustavo A; Li, Bonnie; Ishimaru, Tatsuto; Trimmer, James S; Mohapatra, Durga P; Díaz, Elva (January 14, 2010). "SynDIG1: an activity-regulated, AMPA- receptor-interacting transmembrane protein that regulates excitatory synapse development". Neuron. 65 (1): 80–93. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2009.12.021. PMC 2822728. PMID 20152115.
  7. Yun, Jun-Soo; Rust, Jennifer M; Ishimaru, Tatsuto; Díaz, Elva (September 24, 2007). "A novel role of the Mad family member Mad3 in cerebellar granule neuron precursor proliferation". Mol Cell Biol. 27 (23): 8178–8189. doi:10.1128/MCB.00656-06. PMC 2169189. PMID 17893326.
  8. Dìaz, Elva; Ge, Yongchao; Yang, Yee Hwa; Loh, Kenneth C; Serafini, Tito A.; Okazaki, Yasushi; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide; Speed, Terrence P; Ngai, John; Scheiffele, Peter (October 24, 2002). "Molecular analysis of gene expression in the developing pontocerebellar projection system". Neuron. 36 (3): 417–434. doi:10.1016/s0896-6273(02)01016-4. PMID 12408845.
  9. Barisone, Gustavo A; Yun, Jun-Soo; Díaz, Elva (February 15, 2008). "From cerebellar proliferation to tumorigenesis: new insights into the role of Mad3". Cell Cycle. 7 (4): 423–427. doi:10.4161/cc.7.4.5413. PMID 18235219 – via 18235219.
  10. Plambeck, Kristopher E; He, Chun-Wei; Navarro, Hector H; Díaz, Elva (April 8, 2022). "Mutually Dependent Clustering of SynDIG4/PRRT1 and AMPA Receptor Subunits GluA1 and GluA2 in Heterologous Cells and Primary Neurons". Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 15: 788620. doi:10.3389/fnmol.2022.788620. PMC 9024365. PMID 35465096.

References

[10]

  1. ^ "Elva Diaz – The Grass Foundation". Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  2. ^ a b staff, Enterprise (2023-05-02). "Science Café looks at memory". DavisEnterprise.com. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  3. ^ a b Pharmacology. "Elva Denise Diaz, Ph.D. for UC Davis Health". health.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  4. ^ a b c d Doval, Calvin Y. (2019-11-07). "Elva Diaz, Ph.D. | Pharmacology and Toxicology". ptx.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Episode 21: Elva Diaz, PhD". Conjugate: Illustration and Science Blog. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  6. ^ erika. "Elva Diaz". Interdisciplinary Research Training Institute (IRTI). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  7. ^ a b "2009 Awardees | NIH Common Fund". commonfund.nih.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  8. ^ a b Davis, Andy Fell-UC (2018-03-02). "Protein calls up 'reserves' to make stronger memories". Futurity. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain | Benefunder". www.benefunder.com. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  10. ^ "February 22, 2023–Elva Diaz, "How to change your mind: Molecular mechanisms of brain function..."". Youtube. February 27, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2024.