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
- O'Quinn, KR, Wright, CB, Khan, M, Spitz, RW, Rouhi, N, Morato, JG et al.. Distinct immunometabolic signatures of type 1 versus type 2 diabetes in a murine model of myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1186/s12933-026-03099-y. PubMed PMID:41656217 .
- Cheok, T, Pajnic, V, Vermeir, JF, Toh, Y, Donnelly, WJ, Silva, AM et al.. Comparing the express and enhanced workflows for restoration of hip length and combined offset using the Mako robotic arm-assisted total hip arthroplasty. Bone Jt Open. 2026;7 (2):185-194. doi: 10.1302/2633-1462.72.BJO-2025-0288.R1. PubMed PMID:41655596 .
- Del Guerra, GC, Ohannesian, VA, Semerdjian, R, Silva, RAS, Chagas, EG, Alves, MM et al.. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation and endurance performance: reporting guidelines and systematic review of biochemical vs clinical evidence. Phys Sportsmed. 2026; :. doi: 10.1080/00913847.2026.2627863. PubMed PMID:41655197 .
- de Freitas, BHBM, Lima, JC, Sartori, AL, Haeffner, R, Nemer, CRB, da Silva, ARV et al.. Correction: Adolescent literacy, trust, and acceptance of vaccines before and after educational intervention: protocol for a mixed methods research. BMC Public Health. 2026;26 (1):510. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-26040-6. PubMed PMID:41654758 .
- Gonçalves, JS, Rocha-Gomes, A, Veloso, NC, Ferreira, AC, Alves, LT, Rocha, ACS et al.. Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting During Lactation Leads to Malnutrition, Hypothalamic Redox Imbalance and Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Male and Female Offspring of Wistar Rats. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2026;86 (1):e70107. doi: 10.1002/jdn.70107. PubMed PMID:41652176 .