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
- Ferreira, AMS, Castro, LVG, Ferreira-Costa, M, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque, CF, Silva, AR. Glial cells as central players in neuroinflammation and neuronal damage caused by bacterial pneumonia. Neuroimmunomodulation. 2026; :1-16. doi: 10.1159/000550709. PubMed PMID:41610071 .
- Begnini, KR, Marcolin, JC, Pereira, LC, de Souza, LCP, Kraemer-Mattos, F, Tórgo, D et al.. Temozolomide increases the generation of cell heterogeneity in ERK activity in glioma cells. J Mol Med (Berl). 2026;104 (1):35. doi: 10.1007/s00109-026-02644-2. PubMed PMID:41609890 .
- Sousa, PZ, Campanharo, SC, Freitas, LVP, Villegas, JGS, Silva, AFB, Sasanya, JJ et al.. Top-coating strategy for tiamulin incorporation into medicated fish feed. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2026; :1-11. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2026.2615151. PubMed PMID:41609590 .
- Oharomari, LK, Cunha, CVA, de Lima, JB, de Paula, LM, da Silva Rios, T, Silva Meneguelli, T et al.. Interaction between exercise and flaxseed oil intake on hippocampal function of obese mice: the case of GPR120. Food Res Int. 2025;221 (Pt 1):117082. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117082. PubMed PMID:41606910 .
- Khalil, M, Alsaleh, M, Elsayed, A, Aqeel, H, Al-Omari, A, Cavanaugh, S et al.. How operational strategies influence nitrogen removal and nitrous oxide emissions: Insights from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. J Environ Manage. 2026;400 :128699. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128699. PubMed PMID:41604826 .