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
- Longo, GZ, da Silva, DCG, Gabiatti, MP, Hansen, F, Ferreira, FG, Silva, DAS et al.. The interaction between higher 25(OH)D concentrations and physical activity on inflammatory biomarkers: evidence from a cross-sectional Brazilian population. Nutr Res. 2026;153 :32-40. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2026.06.008. PubMed PMID:42485946 .
- Curto, AR, Silva, AA, Fiadeiro, MB, Pereira, D, Cristóvão, AC. Cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: Hippocampal vulnerability and redox-driven mechanisms. Redox Biol. 2026;96 :104318. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104318. PubMed PMID:42485748 .
- de Aguiar, GC, Silva, A, Ribeiro, DA. Does fluoridated toothpaste induce genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in human oral epithelial cells?. Arch Toxicol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04510-z. PubMed PMID:42484692 .
- Chaves, SCL, Rossi, TRA, Pinto Junior, JA, Lima, TP, Silva, ATRD, Lima, AMFS et al.. Trends in the use of dental prostheses among adults and the elderly and the effects of their provision in the Brazilian health system 2003-2023. Rev Bras Epidemiol. 2026;29Suppl 1 (Suppl 1):e260011supl1. doi: 10.1590/1980-549720260011.supl.1. PubMed PMID:42484185 .
- Soares, DS, Muniz, JI, Martins, MDC, Silva, ADD, Alencar, CERD. Geographical distribution and new records of Ariamnes longissimus keyserling, 1891 (Araneae, Theridiidae) in South America. An Acad Bras Cienc. 2026;98 (2):e20250891. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202620250891. PubMed PMID:42484173 .