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, AS, de Sousa Araujo, A, de Sousa Santana, R, do Monte, SJH. Thirteen Novel HLA Class I Alleles Identified in a Brazilian Population Using NGS-Based Typing. HLA. 2025;106 (1):e70306. doi: 10.1111/tan.70306. PubMed PMID:40643043 .
- Silva, AF, Assis, G, Silva, RM, Murawska-Ciałowicz, E, Zurek, G, Carvalho, J et al.. The differential effect of strength, cognitive and aerobic training combinations on cognitive performance and functional abilities in elderly with cognitive decline: The Fit4Alz project. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2025; :100267. doi: 10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100267. PubMed PMID:40640060 .
- Fajardo, TCG, Quadros Junior, AC, Pinto, CAL, Santos, GRD, Silva, ACBD, Catalan, DT et al.. Serology survey of chikungunya virus in high-risk pregnant women and placental tissue findings. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2025;67 :e43. doi: 10.1590/S1678-9946202567043. PubMed PMID:40638511 .
- Silva, AFD, Fonseca, MRA, Cintra, AC. [A threatening imprecision: overcoming biases in the concept of palliative care]. Cad Saude Publica. 2025;41 (6):e00063425. doi: 10.1590/0102-311XPT063425. PubMed PMID:40638430 .
- Borges, MHR, Miranda, LFB, Malheiros, SS, Silva, AG, Calazans Neto, JV, Santos, MAD et al.. The role of citric acid in denture cleansing: Effects on biofilm reduction and corrosion resistance of Co-Cr alloys. Braz Oral Res. 2025;39 :e070. doi: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.070. PubMed PMID:40638419 .