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
- Paulo, IMM, Bomfim, HF, Silva, AN, Perilla, ACG, Yamaguchi, LF, Kato, MJ et al.. Decoding the extracts of Lippia alnifolia Schauer (Verbenaceae): Chemical composition and Its impacts on nociception and inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2025; :121133. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.121133. PubMed PMID:41475626 .
- Rodrigues, KL, da Silva, A, da Silva Pereira, ENG, Castilho, C, Schmidt, MI, de Jesus Mendes da Fonseca, M et al.. Association between moderate consumption of ultra-processed foods and elevated hair cortisol levels: A cross-sectional analysis from the ELSA-Brasil cohort. J Affect Disord. 2025; :121061. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.121061. PubMed PMID:41475575 .
- Bocca, LF, Silva, AIK, Bortholin, T, Rodrigues, TP, de Oliveira, IA, Sparapani, FVC et al.. Intramedullary Epidermoid Cyst Recurrence Diagnosed With Computed Tomography Myelography: A Case Report. Case Rep Neurol Med. 2025;2025 :3763090. doi: 10.1155/crnm/3763090. PubMed PMID:41473460 PubMed Central PMC12747090.
- Rocha, RPF, Fontoura, MA, Naciuk, F, Oliveira, LC, Nagai, A, Silva, AB et al.. Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Effects of 7-Deaza-2-methyladenosine (7DMA) in a Susceptible Mouse Model of Usutu Virus Infection. Viruses. 2025;17 (12):. doi: 10.3390/v17121639. PubMed PMID:41472308 .
- Fritzen, A, da Silva, AS. Inflammation in the Transition Period of Dairy Cows: New Paradigms. Vet Sci. 2025;12 (12):. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12121182. PubMed PMID:41472162 PubMed Central PMC12737602.