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
- Canevarolo, RR, Sudalagunta, PR, Meads, MB, Silva, M, Zhao, X, Magaletti, D et al.. Integrated Genomic and Epigenomic Analysis Reveals Epigenetic Plasticity in Disease Progression and Multidrug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma. Cancer Res. 2026; :. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-26-1082. PubMed PMID:42233980 .
- Silva, TMSD, Silva, AM, Faierstein, GB, Dias, FCR, Silva, AAD, Campos Júnior, O et al.. Effect of indigo on the reproductive biology of Aedes aegypti. An Acad Bras Cienc. 2026;98 (suppl 1):e20241190. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202620241190. PubMed PMID:42233974 .
- Cavalcante, ACL, Oliveira, MSC, Ribeiro, LSS, Silva, FB, Chaves, DP, Pereira, JG et al.. Non-invasive detection and molecular confirmation of coccidia in free-ranging wild birds on Maranhão Island, northeastern Brazil. Braz J Biol. 2026;86 :e300136. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.300136. PubMed PMID:42233843 .
- Friedl, KE, Silva, AM, Bergouignan, A, Yamada, Y, Potter, AW. Skeletal muscle mass is not compositionally uniform: the role of fluid compartments in health and performance monitoring. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2026; :. doi: 10.1038/s41430-026-01770-x. PubMed PMID:42230765 .
- da Silva, AGS, Silva,, de Oliveira, BC, Wagner, F, Vilela, MAD, de Aquino, LF et al.. The Effect of Melatonin on Sleep Quality in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Ther Apher Dial. 2026; :. doi: 10.1002/1744-9987.70159. PubMed PMID:42230276 .