Elva Díaz
American neuroscientist (born 1970)
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Through Development of the nervous system, Biochemistry and Neurotransmission
Early life and education
Elva Denise Díaz was born in San Jose, California; her parents were of Mexican origin.
Díaz attended Harvard University for her undergraduate studies where she majored in Biomechanical Science. She earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Stanford University.
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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".
Díaz was also a 2009 recipient of a $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award. 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."
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. 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. 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.
Awards
- Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship, 1999
- Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, 2004
- National Institutes of Health Director's New Innovator Award, 2009
- UC Davis ADVANCE Scholar Award, 2023