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
- Aguera, RG, Manocchi, TF, da Silva, AI, de Oliveira, NG, de Souza, AA, Lini, RS et al.. PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG FAMILY FARMERS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL CHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026; :105081. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2026.105081. PubMed PMID:42331075 .
- De S Ferreira, JM, Rodrigues, HP, Alba, HDR, Da Silva, APG, De Oliveira, AB, Silva, RR et al.. Dietary starch level determines the efficacy of calcium salts of palm fatty acids on nitrogen use efficiency and performance in feedlot lambs. Animal. 2026;20 (7):101869. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2026.101869. PubMed PMID:42330602 .
- Silva, AT, Martins, M, Ferreira, NM, Parente, M, Brandão, S, Silva, E et al.. Biomechanical characterization of the female rectum in vivo through MRI-based inverse finite element analysis. J Biomech. 2026;205 :113406. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2026.113406. PubMed PMID:42330572 .
- Silva, AC, Magalhães, R, Lacerda, L, Robalo, C, Lago, P, Santos, MD et al.. Biomarkers in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of Crohn's perianal fistulas: a systematic review. Tech Coloproctol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s10151-026-03376-8. PubMed PMID:42329424 .
- da Silva, AMP, Leite, M, Menegucci, G, Negreli, MFLA, Valverde, MES, Menezes, IR et al.. Gabapentinoid Use and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies. Drugs Aging. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s40266-026-01310-z. PubMed PMID:42329333 .