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
- da Silva, ARP, do Socorro Costa, M, Araújo, NJS, Alencar, GG, Moura, TF, Fonseca, VJA et al.. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and Antifungal Activity of a Fraction Enriched in Saponins From Sarcomphalus joazeiro Against Candida spp. Biomed Chromatogr. 2026;40 (7):e70509. doi: 10.1002/bmc.70509. PubMed PMID:42261063 .
- Parreira, VV, Cheidde, L, Silva, AD, Megiolaro, MDR, Giffoni, BN, Dos Santos, KDA et al.. Chronotherapy in hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of antihypertensive dosing timing on cardiovascular outcomes. J Hum Hypertens. 2026; :. doi: 10.1038/s41371-026-01164-3. PubMed PMID:42260096 .
- Dos Anjos Santos, CÁ, Pereira, AVLA, Dos Santos, KCC, da Silva, AFF, de Oliveira Queirós, ME, de Oliveira Moraes Miranda, JF et al.. Ethyl acetate extract from Dinizia excelsa Ducke wood: a potential phytotherapeutic agent with antioxidant, cytotoxic and hemolytic (in normal cells), immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antitumor activities. Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2026; :111758. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2026.111758. PubMed PMID:42259421 .
- de Morais, ER, da Silva, AP, Mendonça Mota, TF, Gonçalves, S, Adami, GT, de Castilhos Ghisi, N et al.. Cadmium Toxicity in Aquatic Organisms: A Scientometric Review (Part 1 - Vertebrates and Invertebrates). Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026; :. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag153. PubMed PMID:42258624 .
- Silva, AC, Batista, LR, Soares, CLA, Faria-Fortini, I, Menezes, KKP, Faria, CDCM et al.. Upper limb function predicts quality of life at three and six months after hospital discharge in individuals with stroke: a prospective longitudinal study. Int J Rehabil Res. 2026; :. doi: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000712. PubMed PMID:42257397 .