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
- Torres, J, Silva, R, Farias, G, Lobo, JMS, Ferreira, DC, Silva, AC et al.. Co-encapsulation in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as an Emerging Therapeutic Strategy. Mol Diagn Ther. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s40291-025-00821-6. PubMed PMID:41499069 .
- Silva, A, Silva, S, Rodrigues, B, Simões, G, Dinis, I, Freitas, M et al.. Targeting NRF2 With Isoeugenol: A Promising Small Molecule for Neurodegenerative, Metabolic, and Chronic Inflammatory Disorders. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2025;2025 :7695056. doi: 10.1155/omcl/7695056. PubMed PMID:41498012 PubMed Central PMC12767388.
- do Invêncio, CGG, Lontra, ACP, de Paiva, JPB, Rosa Franco, GDR, Fernandes, IM, Gontijo, VS et al.. Pharmacological characterization of the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of new CBD-based terpenyl-N-acyl-aryl-hydrazone analogues. Biomed Pharmacother. 2026;194 :118925. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118925. PubMed PMID:41496336 .
- Orellana-Manzano, A, Garcia-Angulo, A, Quinto, F, Munizaga, MG, De la Cruz, CM, Cordeiro, FB et al.. COVID-19 vaccination campaign, knowledge, and trust in Duran, Ecuador: a cross-sectional study. Vaccine. 2026;72 :127867. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127867. PubMed PMID:41494357 .
- Rabelo-Silva, ER, Saffi, MAL, Hirakata, VN, Ferro, EB, Lourenço, SA, da Silva, AIM et al.. External Validation of the Michigan Risk Score for Predicting Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Related Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Multicenter Study in Brazil. J Infus Nurs. ;49 (1):43-51. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000623. PubMed PMID:41494176 .