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
- Braga, A, de Jesús, GR, Costa, ML, Oliveira, L, Ramos, JGL, Peraçoli, JC et al.. Severe preeclampsia: immediate action as a strategy to save lives. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2025;47 :. doi: 10.61622/rbgo/2025rbgoedt2. PubMed PMID:41415711 PubMed Central PMC12711233.
- Maura, F, Freeman, CL, Maclachlan, KH, Larrayoz Ilundain, M, Ziccheddu, B, Meermeier, EW et al.. Plasma cell identity escape drives resistance to anti-BCMA T-cell-redirecting therapy in multiple myeloma. bioRxiv. 2025; :. doi: 10.64898/2025.12.08.692978. PubMed PMID:41415462 PubMed Central PMC12710967.
- Coimbra, RLS, Meneses, GC, Galvão, RLF, Pinheiro, MCC, de Oliveira, LM, Lopes, NC et al.. Angiopoietins as biomarkers of schistosomiasis severity: a cross-sectional study - CORRIGENDUM. Parasitology. 2025; :1. doi: 10.1017/S0031182025101224. PubMed PMID:41414779 .
- Silva, A, Waiddyanatha, S, Senanayake, H, Sarathchandra, C, Siribaddana, S, Isbister, GK et al.. Neuromuscular and cytotoxic effects of common cobra (Naja naja) bites in rural Sri Lanka. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2025; :1-4. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2025.2601140. PubMed PMID:41410336 .
- Matos, ARS, Silva, AC, Rego, L, Fernandes, R, Gonçalves, S. Psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with palliative care needs: A systematic review of safety and efficacy. Palliat Med. 2025; :2692163251383335. doi: 10.1177/02692163251383335. PubMed PMID:41410211 .