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
- de Araújo Karpejany, NRA, do Monte Neto, JT, Pereira, EM, Carvalho, IAF, de Serpa Brandão, RMS, da Silva, AS et al.. Advanced Management of Acute Intermittent Porphyria: The Role of Givosiran Therapy in Improving Long-Term Outcomes-A Case Study. Clin Case Rep. 2026;14 (7):e73012. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.73012. PubMed PMID:42440568 PubMed Central PMC13333651.
- Miner, AE, Zetterberg, H, Blennow, K, Groh, JR, Singh, A, Dieckhoff, K et al.. Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217 in Participants at Risk for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9 (7):e2622966. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.22966. PubMed PMID:42440317 .
- Silva, AGLE, Garcez, MR, Brito, LAT. CO and NO2 dynamics in a Brazilian tropical transition zone: the role of land use and road infrastructure. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-38001-6. PubMed PMID:42440051 .
- Silva, AVMV, Pimenta, BV, Guimarães, BP, Santos, AMC, Freitas, IZ, Perazo, MF et al.. Impact of Oncologic Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents. Spec Care Dentist. 2026;46 (4):e70219. doi: 10.1111/scd.70219. PubMed PMID:42438394 .
- Rodrigues, RL, Filgueiras, RA, da Silva, AX. Radium in marine sediments and offshore NORM/TENORM: a framework for environmental radiological protection, monitoring and risk assessment. J Radiol Prot. 2026;46 (3):. doi: 10.1088/1361-6498/ae8553. PubMed PMID:42438231 .