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
- da Silva, AKA, Nunes, GAMA, Faria, RM, Santos, K, Pissinati de Souza, R, da Costa, LBM et al.. Advanced microfluidic and 3D cell culture platforms for modeling vascularization in diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review of translational challenges and perspectives. PLoS One. 2026;21 (4):e0328278. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328278. PubMed PMID:41941538 .
- Chou, J, DeVito, R, Wehelie, H, Silva, A, Hollenbeck, S, Campbell, C et al.. Impact of Preoperative Sarcopenia on Outcomes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Study. Ann Plast Surg. 2026; :. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004708. PubMed PMID:41940728 .
- Mariano, SS, Assis, LHP, Correa, JR, Canevarolo, RR, Migita, NA, Sudalagunta, PR et al.. ELDA: real-time functional drug profiling in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Front Oncol. 2026;16 :1685447. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1685447. PubMed PMID:41939480 PubMed Central PMC13046488.
- Pereira, LPMC, Silva-Rodrigues, JH, Pinheiro, FM, Machado, LF, da Silva, ACF, Marques, CB et al.. Differential Effects of DHA-Rich Fish Oil Supplementation on Intestinal and Pulmonary Alterations in Experimental Malaria Caused by Plasmodium berghei NK65. ACS Omega. 2026;11 (12):19534-19546. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c12964. PubMed PMID:41939315 PubMed Central PMC13044828.
- Duarte, RMF, Pereira, JM, Santos de Lima, LM, Mendonça, TP, Bittar, VP, Carrillo, MSP et al.. Encapsulated Pterostilbene in pH-Sensitive Alginate Beads for LDL Oxidation Inhibition and Antioxidant Protection. ACS Omega. 2026;11 (12):18642-18652. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c07990. PubMed PMID:41939301 PubMed Central PMC13044650.