ResearchElva Diaz
.bmp) |
Assistant Professor Ph.D., Stanford University, 1999 Office Phone: (530) 754-6080 E-mail: ediaz@ucdavis.edu |
Research Interest:
Functional genomics of neuronal development
Research Synopsis:
Our lab is interested in the process of neuronal differentiation, target selection and synapse formation using the mouse pontocerebellar projection as a model system. We have used DNA microarrays as a tool to identify genes that are developmentally regulated during cerebellar granule cell development. Using markers of distinct stages of neuronal differentiation to provide a framework, we identified groups of genes with similar expression profiles. Interestingly, correlated gene clusters represent distinct stages of granule cell development as assayed with in situ hybridization. Cerebellar granule neurons are the in vivo target of pontine mossy fiber axons: therefore, we also examined the temporal expression profile of the pontine nuclei. We have identified several candidate molecules that increase in gene expression during the period of synapse formation. Mutant mouse lines that lack mature granule neurons were used to identify those genes that are target dependent. Several candidate molecules are specifically localized to synaptic structures and may be involved in the regulation of synaptogenesis. We are using a combination of approaches including an in vitro coculture system that reconstitutes synapse formation and transgenic and knock-out technology to further characterize these candidate genes. We are also extending our studies to include mutant mouse lines that are defective in aspects of synaptic activity and plasticity to identify potential molecules involved in synaptic function.