Research
Molecular and cellular and systems mechanisms of learning and memory
Appointments
- Distinguished Professor– Neurobiology, Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology
- Director–Integrative Center for Learning and Memory
- Tennenbaum Center for the Biology of Creativity
- Brain Research Institute
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology GPB Home Area
- Neuroscience GPB Home Area
Biography
The Silva laboratory is studying the biology of learning and memory. They are interested in the molecular, cellular and circuit processes that underlie the allocation, encoding and storage of information. To accomplish this they are using a variety of techniques including sophisticated molecular and genetic approaches, optical physiology, optogenetics, in vivo imaging and behavioral analysis.
Silva and colleagues have also studied the impact of these mechanisms in animal models of cognitive disorders, including intellectual disabilities. Based on these mechanistic studies, they have developed treatments for Neurofibromatosis type I and Tuberous Sclerosis, that are currently being tested in clinical trials.
The Silva laboratory is also developing bioinformatic strategies for tracking and planning experiments (researchmaps.org).
Publications
- Rao, VN, Silva, ALT, Coelho, CH. The sweet truth about germinal centers. Trends Immunol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2026.04.005. PubMed PMID:42091410 .
- Silva, AMD, Andrade, LDF, Guedes, HCDS, Mendonça, SBT, Beserra, NS, Barrêto, AJR et al.. Aspects hindering the quality of tuberculosis care records in primary health care. Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2026;47 :e20250198. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2026.20250198.en. PubMed PMID:42090701 .
- Ribeiro, TDC, Rodrigues, RD, Vitorino, ALDS, Silva, AGD, Chaves, MMG, Freitas, GL et al.. Socioeconomic inequalities in health-related risk and protective behaviors among pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2026;47 :e20250179. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2026.20250179.en. PubMed PMID:42090700 .
- Da Silva, A, Akinsomisoye, OS, Battistone, MA, Cerri, PS, Sasso-Cerri, E. SARS-CoV-2 Triggers an NF-kB-Driven Proliferative Response in Epididymal Clear Cells of K18-hACE2 Mice. Reprod Fertil. 2026; :. doi: 10.1530/RAF-25-0197. PubMed PMID:42090447 .
- Silva, AN, de Oliveira Dembogurski, DS, Boaretto, AG, Carollo, CA, Alves, FM, Silva, DB et al.. Seasonality and fruiting converge on megastigmanes to shape foliar metabolic plasticity in Miconia albicans (Swartz) Triana (Melastomataceae). Metabolomics. 2026;22 (3):. doi: 10.1007/s11306-026-02436-2. PubMed PMID:42090035 .