I am an independent neuroscientist whose research focuses on RNA-binding proteins and translational stress responses as regulators of synaptic plasticity, neuronal circuit function and cognition. My work integrates molecular, cellular and systems-level approaches to understand how stress-induced RNA dysregulation contributes to synaptic dysfunction and brain disorders. I hold a BSc in Biology (2010) and an MSc in Molecular Genetics (2012) from the University of Minho, School of Sciences, and completed a PhD in Health Sciences at the School of Medicine, U. Minho (2017). During my doctoral training in U. Minho and Osnabruck University, Germany (Prof. R. Brandt’s Lab), I established how chronic stress impacts Tau degradation mechanisms, revealing the dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their role in neuronal dysfunction and memory impairment (Silva JM, Cell Death & Diff, 2019). I also introduced a novel mechanism of glucocorticoid-driven synaptic degeneration through synaptic missorting of Tau (Pinheiro S & Silva JM, JAD 2015). This work introduced RNA-protein granule biology as a key component of stress-driven neurodegeneration and provided the conceptual foundation for my current research programme. Following my PhD, I expanded my expertise through an international research stay supported by the Canon Foundation (2018) at Gakushuin University, Tokyo, under the mentorship of Prof. Takashima. This period consolidated my interests in non-canonical functions of neuronal proteins and their intersection with RNA metabolism and synaptic function. Upon returning to Portugal, I coordinated translational neuroscience projects within Bn’ML pre-clinical unit, in collaboration with SERVIER Pharmaceuticals, bridging molecular mechanisms with drug development (Monteiro-Fernandes, Mol Psy 2020). Since being awarded a highly competitive Individual Scientific Employment Stimulus contract by FCT, I have established and led an independent research line within the Brain Circuits and Neuron-Glia Adaptations Team at ICVS, School of Medicine, University of Minho, focused on RNA-binding proteins and translational stress responses as regulators of synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. During this period, I consolidated and expanded my work on conditional genetic models to investigate loss-of-function mechanisms in the adult brain. Using a conditional Tau knockout model, I demonstrated that Tau loss of function disrupts nuclear and epigenetic homeostasis, leading to neuronal dysfunction through dysregulation of the nuclear epigenome (Silva JM et al., bioRxiv, 2026 - accepted pending final revision, Alzheimer’s & Dementia). In parallel, I served as co-PI on an NIH-funded project exploring Tau-associated endolysosomal dysfunction and exosome release and contributed to a Jérôme Lejeune Foundation–funded project developing ASO-based strategies targeting Tau for Down syndrome therapy, in collaboration with Prof. Jonathan Watts (RNA Therapeutics Institute, Boston, USA). My research integrates proteomics, in vivo functional imaging and behavioural neuroscience to investigate RNA-binding proteins and translational stress responses in Alzheimer’s disease, depression and Down syndrome. I currently mentor 2 PhD students and 3 MSc students and have successfully supervised 10 MSc theses and research fellows in Neurobiology, Molecular Genetics, and Health Sciences. With 26 publications (11 in the last 5 years, h-index 15, ~1850 citations, mean IF=7,69), my research has earned national and international recognition, including ISN Career Development Grant, and invited speaker to Tau Global Conference, where leading experts will convene to collaborate and discuss key issues impacting the tau research community. I have received funding as PI for the development of novel blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and, recently, received FCT funding for the development of research on the physiological role of TIA-1 for neuronal function.