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
- Kerr, L, Leal, M, da Silva, AZ, Motta-Castro, ARC, Moreira, R, de Macedo Brígido, LF et al.. HIV treatment cascade and associated factors among men who have sex with men in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2026; :. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-27909-7. PubMed PMID:41580444 .
- Bohatch Júnior, MS, de Melo Silva, B, Soares, EAG, Miranda, NCD, Teixeira, EC, Miranda, LM et al.. Endovascular Repair in High-Risk Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis. J Endovasc Ther. 2026; :15266028251408978. doi: 10.1177/15266028251408978. PubMed PMID:41578935 .
- Rossini Venturini, AC, Fogagnolo, C, Ortiz, GU, da Silva Rodrigues, G, da Silva, AP, Noronha, NY et al.. Accelerated epigenetic aging and shorter DNA methylation-based telomere length in sarcopenic obesity: an exploratory pilot study. Epigenomics. 2026; :1-15. doi: 10.1080/17501911.2026.2617179. PubMed PMID:41578880 .
- Hawthorne, AB, Christiansen, P, Arnott, I, Cummings, F, Dobson, L, Kent, A et al.. Comparative analysis of inflammatory bowel disease patient and service reported quality of care using 2019 and 2023 UK benchmarking data from more than 26,000 adult patient respondents and 154 IBD services. J Crohns Colitis. 2026; :. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjag005. PubMed PMID:41578010 .
- Mulligan, RJ, Ryan, P, Beck, LC, Christiansen, P, Turner, J, Selinger, CP et al.. Research engagement and patient-reported quality of care: a cross-sectional study of UK inflammatory bowel disease services. BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2026;13 (1):. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2025-002122. PubMed PMID:41577371 .