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
- Nascimento, JS, Trotte, LAC, de Oliveira, LC, da Rosa Mesquita, MG, Garcia Moreira, V, Silva, AE et al.. Prontuário Compassivo: Development and initial assessment of a palliative care digital platform in socially vulnerable contexts. Palliat Care Soc Pract. 2026;20 :26323524261445577. doi: 10.1177/26323524261445577. PubMed PMID:42152824 PubMed Central PMC13180167.
- Rosi, J Jr, Ferreira Leite, PI, Costa Cruz, JP, Silva, AD, Pinheiro, G, da Silva, SA et al.. Association of serum homocysteine with posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms: an institutional cross-sectional cohort, systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Neurosci. 2026;151 :112100. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2026.112100. PubMed PMID:42150371 .
- Norman, L, Bright, K, Pintson, K, Hews-Girard, J, D'Silva, A, Habina, C et al.. Using Digital Mental Health and Measurement-Based Care With Youth Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Qualitative Study of Clinician Barriers and Facilitators. JMIR Hum Factors. 2026;13 :e81505. doi: 10.2196/81505. PubMed PMID:42149952 PubMed Central PMC13182878.
- Huang, S, Harmsen, I, Rahm, M, Kentache, T, van Karnebeek, CDM, Da Silva, A et al.. Cellular homeostasis of N-acetylneuraminic acid and non-canonical sialic acids is mediated by human N-acetylneuraminate lyase. Glycobiology. 2026; :. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwag038. PubMed PMID:42149948 .
- Prabagar, K, Chandrasinghe, PC, Hewavisenthi, SJS, de Silva, AP, Niriella, MA. Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome Revisited: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2026;28 (1):. doi: 10.1007/s11894-026-01045-2. PubMed PMID:42149300 .