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
- Marques-Couto, P, Ferreira, AM, Gama E Castro, A, da Silva, AC, Cunha, AM, Cardoso, PN et al.. Prognostic factors for therapeutic keratoplasty in Acanthamoeba keratitis: a retrospective study. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s00417-026-07321-1. PubMed PMID:42301488 .
- Rodrigues, AC, Valério, FG, Moura, CB, Da Silva, AMP, Tudella, GCN, Almeida, SS et al.. Impacts of menopausal hormone therapy on Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: A systematic review. J Alzheimers Dis. 2026; :13872877261456766. doi: 10.1177/13872877261456766. PubMed PMID:42300694 .
- Holthausen, C, Carlos, IBDR, Quintana Gomes, S, Granja, IJA, da Silva, SS, da Silva, AC et al.. Copper-catalyzed xanthine-chalcogenide hybrids: synthesis, DNA binding and docking. Org Biomol Chem. 2026; :. doi: 10.1039/d6ob00464d. PubMed PMID:42300536 .
- Moraes, MR, Aranha, AR, Silva, E, Ide, BN, Polito, MD, Neves, RVP et al.. Dose-response effects of isometric wall squats on postexercise hypotension in older women with hypertension. J Hypertens. 2026; :. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000004381. PubMed PMID:42299849 .
- Silva, ACD, Varela Junior, AS, França, RT, Valverde, A, Pinto, LDS, Corcini, CD et al.. Affinity of Abelmoschus Esculentus Lectin for the Midpiece of Ovine Spermatozoa and Its Effects on Functional Parameters. Cell Biochem Funct. 2026;44 (6):e70247. doi: 10.1002/cbf.70247. PubMed PMID:42299477 .