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
- Pushin, DA, Salehi, I, Chow, A, Silva, AE, Chahal, P, Cory, DG et al.. Topological expansion of Boehm's brushes via structured light. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123 (28):e2532243123. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2532243123. PubMed PMID:42424426 .
- Neto, GDSP, Alves, AV, Botelho, BJS, Silva, ASD, Carneiro, DM, Burbano, RMR et al.. Molecular and Phylogenetic Characterization of HTLV-1 Infection in Patients With Hematological Malignancies in the State of Pará, Northern Brazil. J Med Virol. 2026;98 (7):e71024. doi: 10.1002/jmv.71024. PubMed PMID:42423354 .
- Rodrigues, B, Cid, C, Resende, R, Carrascal, M, do Céu Sousa, M, Egas, C et al.. Hyposaline LUSO Mineral Water Drives Murine Macrophage Polarization Towards an Anti-Inflammatory M2 Phenotype. Food Sci Nutr. 2026;14 (7):e71962. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.71962. PubMed PMID:42422406 PubMed Central PMC13343306.
- Nascimento, DS, Flávio-Reis, VHP, da Silva, ACF, Brandão, SG, Pessoa-Gonçalves, YM, Desidério, CS et al.. Six decades of kidney transplantation in Brazil: state of the art and public health implications. Clin Transplant Res. 2026; :. doi: 10.4285/ctr.26.0009. PubMed PMID:42421427 .
- Van Assche, K, Mulder, J, Ahn, C, Allen, RDM, Bollen, J, Bramstedt, KA et al.. Ethical Implementation of Organ Donation Following Medical Assistance in Dying: Recommendations of the Ethics Committee of the Transplantation Society. Transplantation. 2026; :. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000005812. PubMed PMID:42418265 .