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
- Barros, FJS, Eduardo, SDS, Cardozo, KLP, Aguilar Vitorino, HA, Aiube, CM, Sado, MLI et al.. Tailoring Cobalt Content in MnO x Nanowires for Superior Supercapattery Performance. ACS Omega. 2026;11 (9):15337-15353. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c12806. PubMed PMID:41835605 PubMed Central PMC12980181.
- de Lima, RP, de Oliveira, FTB, da Silva, AVL, Albuquerque, MRJR, Pessoa, ODL, Santos, FA et al.. Taraxasterol Acetate Attenuates TNF-α-Induced Insulin Resistance via Regulation of Insulin Signaling, Inflammation, and Lipid Metabolism in 3T3-L1 Cells. ACS Omega. 2026;11 (9):15133-15144. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c12241. PubMed PMID:41835598 PubMed Central PMC12980172.
- da Silva, AB, Facchi, SP, Machado, BR, Teodoro, CF, Gashti, MP, Popat, KC et al.. Electrosprayed Magnetic Poly(butyl methacrylate-co-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)/Iron Oxide Microparticles for Efficient Curcumin Delivery. ACS Omega. 2026;11 (9):14989-15004. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c11646. PubMed PMID:41835516 PubMed Central PMC12980200.
- Alves, KCA, Zangeronimo, MG, Alvarenga, RR, Souza, OF, Lobato, HC, Oliveira, JMF et al.. Artificial incubation in family poultry farming systems in Brazil: technical feasibility and incubation performance. Poult Sci. 2026;105 (6):106732. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2026.106732. PubMed PMID:41833122 .
- Duret, T, Elmallah, M, Heraud-Meley, A, Tessier, C, Da Silva, AVV, Chadet, S et al.. The P2X4 purinergic receptor controls the autophagy-related release of small extracellular vesicles from mammary cancer cells under hypoxia. Cell Commun Signal. 2026; :. doi: 10.1186/s12964-026-02811-5. PubMed PMID:41832557 .