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
- Pereira, DGC, Watanabe, R, Genova, JB, Barros, VMS, de Oliveira, SP, Escobar, MEO et al.. Sandy soils compatibility and least limiting water range under organic, irrigated and perennials management. Sci Rep. 2025;15 (1):39896. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-06682-7. PubMed PMID:41238597 .
- Oliveira, RDS, Oliveira Alves Filho, NC, Gomes Netto, WB, Silva, DC, Oliveira, MS, Oliveira, ACFM et al.. ContigPolishing: A User-Friendly Java GUI for contig extension and refinement in prokaryotic genomes. Gene. 2025; :149893. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2025.149893. PubMed PMID:41238046 .
- da Silva, AV, Lemes, LFR, Zarbin, AJG, Soares, FLF. Optimization of a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate for detection of pesticide residues on food peels. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2025;348 (Pt 1):127164. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2025.127164. PubMed PMID:41237731 .
- Zhu, SJ, Hinman, RS, Nelligan, RK, Li, P, De Silva, AP, Harrison, J et al.. User Engagement and Experiences With an Online Unsupervised Tai Chi Program for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation Nested in a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. 2025;12 :e82115. doi: 10.2196/82115. PubMed PMID:41237400 .
- Vilar-Pereira, G, Castaño-Barrios, LM, Pereira, IR, da Silva Pinheiro, AP, do Espírito Santo Protásio da Silva, T, Hernandez-Velasco, LL et al.. Combined benznidazole and pentoxifylline therapy improves behavioral and cognitive changes in association with the regulation of systemic inflammatory profile in chronic experimental Chagas disease. PLoS One. 2025;20 (11):e0334708. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0334708. PubMed PMID:41237192 .