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
- Silva, JCC, Brito, LC, de Moura Melo, RM, de Souza, EGT, Silva, ALE, Tavares, JF et al.. Effect of protein matrices on spray-dried microparticles containing acerola (Malpighia emarginata) processing by-product extract: Phenolic bioaccessibility and bioactivity during simulated digestion. Food Res Int. 2026;245 (Pt 5):121000. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2026.121000. PubMed PMID:42977444 .
- Dos Santos Silva, W, Silva, AP, Vieira Lima, LL, Chaves Viana, LA, Silva Brito, MG. Behavioral and neurobiological effects of vicarious social defeat stress in rodents: a scoping review. Neuroscience. 2026; :. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2026.11.006. PubMed PMID:42977187 .
- de Oliveira, LML, da Silva, ABN, Kreuz, M, Defante, MLR, Mendes, BX, Qureshi, AA et al.. Dupilumab-Associated Vitiligo: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes from a Systematic Review. Australas J Dermatol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1111/ajd.70227. PubMed PMID:42973098 .
- GBD 2023 Cervical Cancer Collaborators. Global, regional and national burden of cervical cancer in 1990-2023 with forecasts to 2050: a Global Burden of Disease study. Nat Med. 2026; :. doi: 10.1038/s41591-026-04729-4. PubMed PMID:42972107 .
- Notário, FO, Sommerfeld, S, Ribeiro, LNM, Silva, GMF, Silva, TDC, Nossol, ABDS et al.. Efficacy and safety of free and nanodrugs on the chicken embryo model via different routes. J Pharm Sci. 2026; :104578. doi: 10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104578. PubMed PMID:42971353 .