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
- Shah, S, Gill, JS, Gill, J, Bilkhu, R, D'Silva, A. Rare presentation of right ventricular myxoma causing severe anaemia and acute kidney injury. BMJ Case Rep. 2026;19 (5):. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2025-270135. PubMed PMID:42167883 .
- Ramos, OPS, Veras, MM, Silva, AMS, Zanoteli, E, Campos, ED, Calzolari, EGC et al.. Adaptive and Degenerative Remodeling of the Diaphragm in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2026; :104593. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2026.104593. PubMed PMID:42167707 .
- Da Silva, AS, Taylor, AA. Fractional CO₂ laser monotherapy versus combination therapy with vaginal oestrogen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A prospective observational cohort study conducted over two years. Maturitas. 2026;210 :108966. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2026.108966. PubMed PMID:42167065 .
- Furman, E, Piroutek, M, Jasinevicius, TR, da Silva, APB. Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Application and Education in US Graduate Programs: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Dent Educ. 2026; :. doi: 10.1002/jdd.70233. PubMed PMID:42159214 .
- da Silva, FA, da Silva, ALV, Esteca, MV, de Oliveira Costa, S, Lopes, PKF, Batista, IL et al.. The absence of the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor impairs liver regeneration due to altered autophagic response after resection. Ann Hepatol. 2026; :102234. doi: 10.1016/j.aohep.2026.102234. PubMed PMID:42155866 .