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
- Martins, JDN, Souza, LMMA, Alencar, LYN, Almeida, PHF, Meireles, CDL, Dos Santos, SM et al.. Sex-Dependent Behavioral and Biochemical Alterations in a Prenatal Oral Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2026; :. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5c00754. PubMed PMID:41879213 .
- Sezana-Costa, S, Moresi, EAD, Rosa, TDS, Santos, CPC, Ribeiro, F, Silva, AS et al.. Scientific advances in post-exercise hypotension: a bibliometric review. J Hum Hypertens. 2026; :. doi: 10.1038/s41371-026-01129-6. PubMed PMID:41876712 .
- Ramalho, LB, Portela, JC, Gondim, JEF, da Silva, TEM, Filho, MFC, de Sousa, LV et al.. Interactions between soil functional components and micromorphology in different land uses in a mountainous region of northeastern Brazil. Sci Total Environ. 2026;1027 :181724. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181724. PubMed PMID:41875510 .
- Gaudio, RC, Ramos-Silva, A, Baptista, KL, Lima, HF, Alves, L, Lemos, AP et al.. Frequency and clinical associations of Epstein-Barr virus molecular detection in systemic lupus erythematosus: A follow-up study. Lupus. 2026; :9612033261435930. doi: 10.1177/09612033261435930. PubMed PMID:41874336 .
- Liu, T, Chen, L, Liu, L, Liu, Y, Ma, L, Billot, L et al.. Impact of Ultraearly Perioperative Antihypertensive Therapy in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Stroke. 2026; :. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.125.053989. PubMed PMID:41873543 .