Bernardino RL

Raquel L. Bernardino, Ph.D.

Post-doctoral Researcher
raquellbernardino@gmail.com

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Short Biography

Raquel L. Bernardino was conferred his LSc degree indegree in Biomedical Sciences in 2011. In 2013, she was conferred a MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal. In 2019 she completed her PhD degree of Biomedical Sciences at the Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal under the supervision of Pedro F. Oliveira, PhD, co-supervisions of Mário Sousa, MD, PhD, and Rosália Sá, PhD.

In 2019, Raquel L. Bernardino was hired as Junior Researcher under the project “TRaitor - Tracking TRAnsgenerational epigenetic Inheritance of metabolic diseases Transmitted via overweight or obese fathers” at the ICBAS - University of Porto.

Her research interests cover hormonal control and metabolic and ionic modulation of spermatogenesis. Special attention is given to ionic/water transport modulation in Sertoli cells and spermatozoa, and mechanisms by which endocrine disorders/pathologies result in subfertility and infertility.

Funded projects

PTDC/MEC-AND/28691/2017 : "TRaitor - Tracking TRAnsgenerational epigenetic Inheritance of metabolic diseases Transmitted via overweight or obese fathers" - PI: Marco G. Alves 

SPERMBOOST – Improving Sperm Quality During and After Storage. - PI: Marco G. Alves 

PTDC/BBB-BQB/1368/2014: "Aquaporins as molecular partners of CFTR in the Blood-Testis Barrier: a crossroad between human male infertility and cystic fibrosis?" - PI: Pedro F. Oliveira

Fellowships and Prizes

2017 - MiPschool 2017 MITOEAGLE and MITOEAGLE workshop extended scholarship, for presenting her work at the 10th MiPschool and attend the MITOEAGLE workshop, Obergurgl, Austria, 23-30 July 2017.

2016 - Fellowship to participate in the 2nd International Workshop on Klinefelter Syndrome. 10-12 March, 2016, Munster, Germany.

2015 - Fellowship to participate in the 40th Congress of The Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS). July 4-9, Berlin, Germany

2015 - 4-year PhD fellowship from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

2014 - Young scientist fellowship from Santander/UBI.

Proceedings in Peer-reviewed Journals

14. Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Silva J, Barros A, Ferraz L, Sousa M, Sá R, Oliveira PF (2016) "Men with Klinefelter syndrome present altered testicular expression of estrogen receptors". 50th Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society for Clinical Investigation in European Journal of Clinical Investigation. 46(S1):123. ISSN: 1365-2362

13. Ferreira C, Gonçalves A, Rabaça A, Bernardino RL, Barros A, Oliveira PF, Sousa M, Alves MG, Sá R (2016) Metformin preserves human sperm DNA integrity during short-term incubation. Medicine. 95(10): e02371 (DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000002371)

12. Rabaça A, Gonçalves A, Ferreira C, Bernardino RL, Barros, A, Alves MG, Sousa M, Oliveira PF, Sá R (2016) Protective effects of n-acetylcysteine on human sperm DNA during short-term etoposide exposure. Medicine. 95(10): e02371 (DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000002371)

11. Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Silva J, Barros A, Ferraz L, Sousa M, Sá R, Oliveira PF (2016) Estrogen receptors alpha (ER-α), beta (ER-β) and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in the testicular tissue of individuals with Klinefelter syndrome. Medicine. 95(10): e02371 (DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000002371)

10. Meneses MJ, Bernardino RL, Sá R, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Silva BM., Oliveira PF, Alves MG (2016) The antidiabetic drug pioglitazone alters human Sertoli cells metabolism by increasing its glycolytic efficiency. Medicine. 95(10): e02371 (DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000002371)

9. Meneses MJ, Bernardino RL, Sá R, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Silva BM, Oliveira PF, Alves MG (2016) The antidiabetic drugs Pioglitazone and Metformin alter the metabolic cooperation in the testis. CAPTAR. 6 (1): 47-48. ISSN:1647-323X

8. Jesus TT, Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Sá R, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2016) As aquaporinas-4 e -9 são expressas em células de Sertoli de rato e interagem com o CFTR. CAPTAR. 6(1):38-9. ISSN: 1647-323X

7. Dias TR, Alves MG, Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Moreira AC, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Silva BM, Oliveira PF (2016) Caffeine and male fertility: Metabolic effects and oxidative profile in human Sertoli cells. CAPTAR. 6 (1): 28-29. ISSN: 1647-323X.

6. Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Costa AR, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2016) Influência do estradiol nos transportadores membranares de bicarbonato dependentes de sódio da família SLC4 em células de Sertoli humanas. CAPTAR. 6 (1): 4-6. ISSN 1647-323X

5. Alves MG, Bernardino RL, Martins AD., Jesus TT, Sousa M, Sá R, Oliveira PF (2015) Estrogenic regulation of bicarbonate transporters from SLC4 family in rat Sertoli cells. Human Reproduction. 30(Suppl. 1):161.

4. Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Costa AR, Silva J, Barros A, Sá R, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2015). Estrogenic regulation of Na+-dependent bicarbonate transporters from SLC4 family in human Sertoli Cells. FEBS J. 282 (Suppl. 1) 55: 199.

3. Dias TR, Alves MG, Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Moreira AC, Silva J, Barros A, M. Sousa, Silva BM, Oliveira PF (2015). Caffeine-induced alterations in human Sertoli cells metabolism and oxidative profile. FEBS J. 282 (Suppl. 1) 55: 386.

2. Alves MG*, Jesus TT*, Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Sá R, Sousa M, Oliveira PF (2013) Water transport in seminiferous tubule: aquaporins identification in Sertoli cells. Proc. 37th IUPS, LB91.

1. Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Jesus TT, Sá R, Sousa M, Socorro S, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2013) Regulation by estrogens of bicarbonate secretion mechanisms in Sertoli cell. Proc. 37th IUPS, LB113.

Book chapters

9. Alves MG, Bernardino RL, Oliveira PF (2020)"Metabolismo do sistema endócrino. A especialização metabólica do pâncreas endócrino e das células das ilhotas de Langerhans". In Bioquímica Fisiológica, 215-222. Porto, Portugal: Edições Afrontamento, Lda.

8. Alves MG, Bernardino RL, Oliveira PF (2020) "Metabolismo do Sistema Reprodutor. Uma perspetiva integrada do metabolismo do Sistema Reprodutor". In Bioquímica Fisiológica, 77-96. Porto, Portugal: Edições Afrontamento, Lda.

7. Carrageta DF, Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2020)  CFTR regulation of aquaporin-mediated water transport. Vitamins and Hormones.  112:163-177.  doi: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.08.004 

6. Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2018) Establishment of Primary Culture of Sertoli Cells. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Sertoli Cells - Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1748, 1 edn. Humana Press, pp 1-8. DOI:10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0

5. Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2018) Evaluation of the Purity of Sertoli Cell Primary Cultures. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Sertoli Cells - Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1748, 1 edn. Humana Press, pp 9-16. DOI:10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0

4. Maggio A, Bernardino RL, Gena P, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Calamita G (2018) A Stopped-Flow Light Scattering Methodology for Assessing the Osmotic Water Permeability of Whole Sertoli Cells. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Sertoli Cells - Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1748, 1 edn. Humana Press, pp 279-286. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0

3. Bernardino RL (2017) Formation and Biochemistry of Seminal Plasma and Male Accessory Fluids. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Biochemistry of Andrology, vol 1. Andrology: Current and Future Developments. Bentham Science Publishers, Sharjah, UAE, pp 207-228. ISBN: 978-1-68108-501-2

2. Dias TR, Bernardino RL (2017) Biochemical Events Occurring in the Epididymis. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Biochemistry of Andrology, vol 1. Andrology: Current and Future Developments. Bentham Science Publishers, Sharjah, UAE, pp 178-206. ISBN: 978-1-68108-501-2

1. Meneses MJ, Bernardino RL, Sousa M, Silva BM, Sá R, Oliveira PF, Alves MG (2015). Regulation of Testicular Glucose Metabolism in (Pre)Diabetes and its Implications to Male Reproductive Health. In Advances in Medicine and Biology. Volume 89. Nova Science Publishers, Inc, New York, USA, ISBN: 978-1-63483-478-0.

Publications

35. Carrageta DF, Freire-Brito L, Guerra-Carvalho B, Bernardino RL, Monteiro BS, Barros A., Oliveira PF, Monteiro MP, Alves MG. (2023). Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins regulate the metabolic function of human Sertoli cells. Reproduction (published online ahead of print 2023), REP-23-0229. Retrieved Dec 11, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-23-0229

34. Braga PC, Bernardino RL, Guerra-Carvalho B, Carrageta DF, Oliveira PF, Rodrigues AS, Alves MG. The progression from mild to severe hyperglycemia coupled with insulin resistance causes mitochondrial dysfunction and alters the metabolic secretome of epithelial kidney cells. Experimental Cell Research. 2023. 113744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113744

33. Ribeiro JC, Bernardino RL, Gonçalves A, Barros A, Calamita G, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Aquaporin-7-Mediated Glycerol Permeability Is Linked to Human Sperm Motility in Asthenozoospermia and during Sperm Capacitation. Cells. 2023; 12(15):2003. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12152003

32. Monteiro J, Marks CA, Braga PC, Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Lobo-da-Cunha A, Videira A, Pereira F. The role of ion homeostasis imbalance due to citrate accumulation in fluoroacetic acid (FAA) toxicity in Neurospora crassa. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2023 May 18;271:109661. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109661

31. Bessa C, Loureiro JB, Barros M, Isca VMS, Sardão VA, Oliveira PJ, Bernardino RL, Herman-de-Sousa C, Costa MA, Correia-de-Sá P, Alves MG, Rijo P, Saraiva L. Counteracting Colon Cancer by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Respiration and Glycolysis with a Selective PKCδ Activator. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(6):5710. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065710

30. Topete MV, Andrade S, Bernardino RL, Guimarães M, Pereira AM, Oliveira SB, Costa MM, Nora M, Monteiro MP, Pereira SS. Visceral Adipose Tissue Bioenergetics Varies According to Individuals’ Obesity Class. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(2):1679. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021679

29. Nunes DC, Ribeiro JC, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Bernardino RL. Male Sex Hormones, Metabolic Syndrome, and Aquaporins: A Triad of Players in Male (in)Fertility. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(3):1960. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24031960

28. Ribeiro JC, Bernardino RL, Carrageta DF, Soveral G, Calamita G, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. CFTR modulates aquaporin-mediated glycerol permeability in mouse Sertoli cells. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2022 Nov 15;79(12):592. doi: 10.1007/s00018-022-04619-1. PMID: 36378343.

27. Silva AM, Ribeiro CT, Bernardino RL, Jarak I, Carvalho RA, Pereira-Sampaio MA, de Souza DB, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Stress Hormone Corticosterone Controls Metabolic Mitochondrial Performance and Inflammatory Signaling of In Vitro Cultured Sertoli Cells. Biomedicines. 2022 Sep 19;10(9):2331. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10092331

26. Ribeiro JC, Carrageta DF, Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Aquaporins and Animal Gamete Cryopreservation: Advances and Future Challenges. Animals (Basel). 2022 Feb 2;12(3):359. doi: 10.3390/ani12030359

25. Pereira SC, Martins AC, Moreira BP, Bernardino RL, Barros A, Monteiro MP, Oliveira PF, Alves MG (2021) Obesity-related genes are expressed in human Sertoli cells and modulated by energy homeostasis regulating hormones. Journal of Cellular Physiology, . doi:10.1002/jcp.30230

24. Rabaça A, Ferreira C, Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Viana P, Barros A, Sousa M, Sá R. Use of Antioxidant Could Ameliorate the Negative Impact of Etoposide on Human Sperm DNA During Chemotherapy. Reprod Biomed Online, S1472-6483(20), 30085-7. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.01.029

23. Carrageta DF, Bernardino RL, Soveral G, Calamita G, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2019) Aquaporins and male (in)fertility: Expression and role throughout the male reproductive tract. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2019.108222

22. Dias TR, Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Casal S, Silva BM, Oliveira PF (2019) L-theanine promotes cultured human Sertoli Cells proliferation and modulates glucose metabolism. European Journal of Nutrition (DOI:10.1007/s00394-019-01999-2) 

21. Bernardino RL, Carrageta DF, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. (2019) pH and male fertility: making sense on pH homeodynamics throughout the male reproductive tract. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-019-03170-w

20. Bernardino RL, D'Souza WN, Rato L, Rothstein JL, Dias TR, Chui D, Wannberg S, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2019) Knockout of MCT1 results in total absence of spermatozoa, sex hormones dysregulation, and morphological alterations in the testicular tissue. Cell & Tissue Research. 1-7. doi:10.1007/s00441-019-03028-4

19. Bernardino RL, Dias TR, Moreira BM, Cunha M, Barros A, Oliveira E, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2019) Carbonic anhydrases are involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and control the production of lactate by human Sertoli cells. The FEBS Journal. (In press). DOI: 10.1111/febs.14779

18. Bernardino RL,* Carrageta DF*, Silva AM, Calamita G, Alves MG, Soveral G, Oliveira PF (2018) Estrogen Modulates Glycerol Permeability in Sertoli Cells through Downregulation of Aquaporin-9. Cells. 7(10), 153. (DOI:10.3390/cells7100153)

17. Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2018) Establishment of Primary Culture of Sertoli Cells. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Sertoli Cells - Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1748, 1 edn. Humana Press, pp 1-8. DOI:10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0

16. Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2018) Evaluation of the Purity of Sertoli Cell Primary Cultures. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Sertoli Cells - Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1748, 1 edn. Humana Press, pp 9-16. DOI:10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0

15. Maggio A, Bernardino RL, Gena P, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Calamita G (2018) A Stopped-Flow Light Scattering Methodology for Assessing the Osmotic Water Permeability of Whole Sertoli Cells. In: Alves MG, Oliveira PF (eds) Sertoli Cells - Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1748, 1 edn. Humana Press, pp 279-286. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0

14. Meneses MJ, Bernardino RL, Sá R, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Silva BM, Oliveira PF, Alves MG (2016) Pioglitazone increases the glycolytic efficiency of human Sertoli cells with possible implications for spermatogenesis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 79:52-60 (DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.08.011)

13. Bernardino RL, Marinelli RA, Maggio A, Gena P, Cataldo I, Alves MG, Svelto M, Oliveira PF, Calamita G (2016) Hepatocyte and Sertoli Cell Aquaporins, Recent Advances and Research Trends. Int J Mol Sci. 17(7): 1096 (DOI:10.3390/ijms17071096)

12. Bernardino RL, Alves MG, Silva J, Barros A, Ferraz L, Sousa M, Sá R, Oliveira PF (2016) Expression of estrogen receptorsalpha (ER-α), beta (ER-β) and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in testicular tissue of men with Klinefelter syndrome. Horm Metab Res. 48(06): 413-415. (DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-105151)

11. Dias TR, Bernardino RL, Meneses MJ, Sousa M, Sá R, Alves MG, Silva BM, Oliveira PF (2016) Emerging potential of natural products as an alternative strategy to pharmacological agents used against metabolic disorders” Curr Drug Metab. 17(6): 582-597. (DOI: 10.2174/1389200217666160229113629)

10. Bernardino RL, Costa AR, Martins AD, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Sá R, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2016) Estradiol modulates Na+ -dependent HCO3 - transporters altering intracellular pH and ion transport in human Sertoli cells: A role on male fertility? Biol Cell. 108(7): 179-188 (DOI: 10.1111/boc.201500094)

9. Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Jesus TT, Sá R, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2015) Estrogenic regulation of bicarbonate transporters from SLC4 family in rat Sertoli Cells. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 408(1-2):47-54 (DOI:10.1007/s11010-015-2481-4).

8. Dias TR, Alves MG, Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Moreira AC, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Silva BM, Oliveira PF (2015) Dose-dependent effects of caffeine in human Sertoli cells metabolism and oxidative profile. Toxicology. 328:12-20 (DOI:10.1016/j.tox.2014.12.003)

7. Jesus TT, Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Sá R, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2014) Aquaporin-9 is expressed in rat Sertoli cells and interacts with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. IUBMB Life 66(9): 639–644 (DOI 10.1002/iub.1312)

6. Bernardino RL*, Martins AD*, Neuhaus-Oliveira A, Sousa M, Sá R, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2014) Physiology of Na+/H+ Exchangers in the Male Reproductive Tract: Relevance for Male Fertility. Biol. Rep. 91(1):11. (DOI: 10.1095/​biolreprod.114.118331).

5. Jesus TT, Martins AD, Bernardino RL, Sá R, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2014) Aquaporin-4 as a molecular partner of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in rat Sertoli cells. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Com. 446(4): 1017–1021 (DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.03.046).

4. Oliveira PF, Alves MG, Martins AD, Correia S, Bernardino RL, Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M, Cavaco JE, Socorro S. (2014) Expression pattern of G protein-coupled receptor 30 in human seminiferous tubular cells. Gen. Comp. Endoc. 201:16-20 (DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.022).

3. Martins AD, Alves MG, Bernardino RL, Dias TR, Silva BM, Oliveira PF. (2014) Effect of white tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)) extract in the glycolytic profile of Sertoli cell. Eur. J. Nut. (DOI: 10.1007/s00394-013-0640-5).

2. Bernardino RL, Martins AD, Socorro S, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2013) Effect of pre-diabetes on membrane bicarbonate transporters in testis and epididymis. J. Memb. Biol. 246(12):877-83 (DOI:10.1007/s00232-013-9601-4)

1. Bernardino RL* Jesus TT*, Martins AD, Sousa M, Barros A, Cavaco JE, Socorro S, Alves MG, Oliveira PF (2013) Molecular basis of bicarbonate membrane transport in the male reproductive tract. Curr. Med. Chem. 20(32):4037-49. (DOI: 10.2174/15672050113109990200)

* both authors contributed equally