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
- Bullington, AV, Micallo, I, Bajaj, B, Kumar, P, Schlamowitz, N, Silva, A et al.. Structural basis for substrate selectivity by site-one protease revealed by studies with a small-molecule inhibitor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025;122 (18):e2426931122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2426931122. PubMed PMID:40299693 .
- DA Silva, AL, Resgalla, C Jr. Seasonality and life cycle of the jellyfish Lychnorhiza lucerna Haeckel, 1880 (Scyphozoa) in southern Brazil. An Acad Bras Cienc. 2025;97 (2):e20240740. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202520240740. PubMed PMID:40298701 .
- Carvalho, FR, Ramos-Silva, A, Pires, DC, Oliveira, CVY, Cardoso, CAA, Sant'Anna, CC et al.. BCG vaccination decline and pediatric tuberculosis rise in Brazil: spatial-temporal study. Rev Saude Publica. 2025;59 :e13. doi: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2025059006458. PubMed PMID:40298687 .
- Pedrollo, LFS, Silva, AC, Negri, EC, Vedana, KGG. Telesimulation on suicide postvention: evaluation of educational practices, satisfaction, self-confidence, and debriefing. Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2025;46 :e20240204. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2025.20240204.en. PubMed PMID:40298678 .
- Campos, GM, Costa, TCM, Silva, ASD, Costa, LOA, Silveira, RM, Valença, IN et al.. Molecular Profile and Dynamics of Commensal Viruses in Brazilian Patients Who Underwent Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis. 2025; :e70037. doi: 10.1111/tid.70037. PubMed PMID:40298332 .