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
- Bishop-Royse, J, Gutierrez-Kapheim, M, Silva, A, Lomahan, S, Jindal, M, Krogen, M et al.. Correction: Trust and Trustworthiness: Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccine Receipt in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. J Community Health. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s10900-026-01574-x. PubMed PMID:42215839 .
- Farrar, T, D'Silva, A, Cardamone, M, Palacios-Derflingher, L, Farrar, MA. The efficacy and safety of ketogenic diet therapy among adolescents and adults with drug resistant epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Seizure. 2026;140 :39-51. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2026.05.018. PubMed PMID:42214220 .
- Janaszek-Kowalik, A, Kowalik, R, da Silva, AF, Nešović, A, Kozłowski, T, Kanuchova, M et al.. Probabilistic assessment of heavy metal risks in sewage sludge using BCR speciation and Bayesian networks. Sci Total Environ. 2026;1041 :181913. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181913. PubMed PMID:42214203 .
- Jesus, ELF, Silva, AASD, Akinsomisoye, OS, Silva, EJR, Cerri, PS, de Oliveira, SA et al.. Diacerein Disrupts Testicular Homeostasis: The Essential Role of Basal Cytokines in Maintaining Sertoli Cell Integrity and the Immune Microenvironment. Andrology. 2026; :. doi: 10.1111/andr.70255. PubMed PMID:42212543 .
- de Almeida, GR, Riechelmann, RP, Brito, AB, Taboada, RG, da Silva, ALM, Weschenfelder, RF et al.. Cost savings associated with the adoption of lower-dose everolimus in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors. ESMO Gastrointest Oncol. 2026;12 :100337. doi: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100337. PubMed PMID:42211408 PubMed Central PMC13213628.