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
- Lage, BF, Barcelos, ACM, Silva, AS, Rocha, JPA, Barcelos, AM, Oliveira, RR et al.. Minimally invasive approach to hypoplastic stains with complementary color neutralization: A clinical report. J Prosthet Dent. 2026; :. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.03.042. PubMed PMID:42067417 .
- Caprini, EC, Menezes, HVC, Ramos, IL, Fernandes, MGG, Correia, EV, da Silva, ARA et al.. Validation of the Iranian Voice Quality of Life Profile into Brazilian Portuguese. J Voice. 2026; :. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2026.03.040. PubMed PMID:42067407 .
- Adelino, MPM, Grossi, JD, Nunes, MV, Passos, IC, Brunoni, AR, da Silva, AG et al.. Brazilian Psychiatric Association Guidelines for pharmacological treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Braz J Psychiatry. 2026; :. doi: 10.47626/1516-4446-2026-4911. PubMed PMID:42066210 .
- Madeira, MF, Silva, ACD, Figueira, L, Furtado, MJ, Gomes Rodrigues, F, Liverani, M et al.. Association Between Syphilitic Posterior Uveitis, VDRL Titer and HIV Co-Infection. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2026; :1-4. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2026.2658133. PubMed PMID:42066101 .
- Cheng, J, Gomez, VA, Giem, AR, Larriuz, CA, Gatti, SF, Silva, AF et al.. Site-Selective Modification of Lanthanum Oxychloride to Modulate Halide-Ion Conduction. ACS Appl Energy Mater. 2026;9 (8):5265-5282. doi: 10.1021/acsaem.6c00392. PubMed PMID:42063681 PubMed Central PMC13126442.