SC & Gamete Biology Lab

Date: 29 July 2026 (15:45 to 16:35)

Prof. Marco G. Alves to Speak at the XXIII Congress of the Brazilian Society for Cell Biology

Prof. Marco G. Alves has been invited to speak at the XXIII Congress of the Brazilian Society for Cell Biology, taking place at the Centro de Difusão Internacional, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

He will deliver Conference 4, entitled "A Paternal Diet Can Epigenetically Influence the Metabolic and Reproductive Health of His Offspring". His presentation will explore how paternal nutritional status can induce epigenetic changes that influence the metabolic and reproductive health of future generations, highlighting recent advances in the field of transgenerational inheritance.

For more information on the Congress click here!

Date: 24 July 2026

Prof. Marco G. Alves to Deliver Invited Seminar at UNESP, Brazil

Prof. Marco G. Alves will deliver an invited seminar at the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, in the PG/IBB Auditorium.

Entitled "The Aging Testis: Metabolic Drivers of Declining Male Reproductive Potential", the seminar will explore how metabolic alterations associated with aging contribute to the progressive decline in male reproductive function, highlighting recent advances in the understanding of testicular physiology and male fertility.

This invitation reflects the growing international recognition of our group's research and provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen scientific collaboration with colleagues at UNESP.

June/July 2026

Prof. Mario Allegra Visited Our Research Group

Over the past month, we had the pleasure of hosting Prof. Mario Allegra from the University of Palermo at our research group at the University of Aveiro. During his stay, Prof. Allegra contributed to the organization of the "Mitochondria Under Stress!" workshop and delivered an lecture, fostering scientific discussion and strengthening collaborations in mitochondrial biology and metabolism.

His visit also reinforced the collaboration between our groups. As part of this partnership, his PhD student, Francesco Maria Pollara, will continue his research at the University of Aveiro, investigating the effects of a natural compound on steroidogenesis.

We thank Prof. Allegra for his visit and look forward to the continued collaboration and the exciting research opportunities it will bring.

16 July 2026

Our PhD Students Present Their Research at Research Summit 2026

Our PhD students, Rúben J. Moreira and Alice Pinto, presented their research at Research Summit 2026, held at the University of Aveiro. The event provided a valuable platform for researchers to share progress on their projects with the academic community and foster interdisciplinary discussion.

Alice delivered the presentation "Is Age Just a Number?", while Rúben presented "The Testis Remembers", showcasing ongoing research developed within our group. Their participation highlights the importance of communicating scientific advances and exchanging ideas with researchers from diverse fields.

We congratulate Alice and Rúben on their presentations and their contribution to promoting our group's research at this university-wide event.

Learn more about the Research Summit, including the program and plenary sessions, here!

14 July 2026

New Publication Explores How Insulin Regulates Fatty Acid Metabolism in Sertoli Cells

Our research group has published a new article entitled "Insulin Regulates CD36-Dependent Fatty Acid Uptake but Not Mitochondrial Oxidation in Sertoli Cells" in the journal Andrology.

This study provides new insights into how insulin regulates lipid metabolism in Sertoli cells, the "nurse" cells of the testis that are essential for supporting sperm production. The findings demonstrate that insulin promotes fatty acid uptake by regulating CD36, while mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation remains unaffected. Under insulin-deficient conditions, Sertoli cells showed reduced fatty acid uptake, lipid storage, glucose consumption, and lactate production, highlighting the broad metabolic consequences of impaired insulin signaling.

These results improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking diabetes and male infertility, suggesting that disrupted fatty acid metabolism in Sertoli cells may contribute to the impaired support of spermatogenesis observed in insulin-deficient states.

Read the full paper here!

4 - 8 July 2026

Our Research Presented at the 50th FEBS Congress

Rúben J. Moreira and Giuseppe T. Patanè represented our research group at the 50th FEBS Congress, held in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where they presented their latest research through poster communications. Prior to the congress, Rúben also attended the 25th FEBS Young Scientists' Forum (YSF) in Wageningen, having been selected as one of this year's awardees.

At the congress, Rúben presented his work on the relationship between lifestyle and male fertility, while Giuseppe showcased his research on the effects of natural compounds on Leydig cell steroidogenesis.

Their participation highlights our group's ongoing commitment to advancing research in metabolism and male reproductive health while strengthening international scientific collaborations.

Find more information about the 50th FEBS Congress here!

Find more information about the 25th FEBS YSF here!

Date: 8 July 2026

Workshop on “Mitochondria Under Stress” Brings Together Experts in Metabolism and Health

Our research group is pleased to co-organize the workshop “Mitochondria Under Stress”, an event dedicated to exploring how mitochondrial function shapes cellular adaptation, metabolism, and health across different biological contexts.

Bringing together researchers and early-career scientists from different institutions and disciplines, the workshop will feature lectures, flash talks, practical sessions, and discussion moments focused on current topics in mitochondrial research. The scientific program will address areas including mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox signaling, metabolic plasticity, mitochondrial quality control, reproductive biology, and approaches for assessing mitochondrial function. This workshop aims to create an open and dynamic environment for scientific exchange, networking, and interdisciplinary discussion around one of the most relevant topics in modern biomedical research.

We invite students, researchers, and all those interested in metabolism and mitochondrial biology to join us and be part of this event.

Find more information here!

30 June 2026

Prof. Pedro F. Oliveira Featured on the PodcastUA “(Des)complica”

Prof. Pedro F. Oliveira recently participated in an episode of PodcastUA (Des)complica entitled "O corpo em transformação: infertilidade masculina" (The Body in Transformation: Male Infertility). Together with Dr. Magda Henriques and Dr. Joana Santiago, he discussed male infertility, helping to explain current scientific knowledge and its implications in a clear and accessible way.

The episode is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and is also broadcast on Ria – Rádio Universitária de Aveiro and Rádio Terra Nova.

30 June 2026

Dr. Giuseppe T. Patanè Presented His Research at the 4th European Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food

Our postdoctoral researcher Dr. Giuseppe T. Patanè presented his work at the 4th European Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food, held from 30 June to 3 July 2026 at the University of Aveiro.

His presentation showcased research developed within our group on the effects of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside on Leydig cell testosterone production, highlighting how this dietary anthocyanin modulates steroidogenesis and contributes to the regulation of male reproductive function.

The symposium provided an excellent opportunity to share our latest findings and engage with researchers working at the interface of phytochemicals, metabolism, and human health.

Find more information here!

30 June 2026

Rúben J. Moreira Completes His First Research Period Abroad at Loughborough University

Our PhD student, Rúben J. Moreira, has completed a research stay at Loughborough University (UK), working on a collaborative project focused on the relationship between lifestyle and testosterone production. Internationally recognized for its excellence, Loughborough University is ranked 1st in the world for sports-related subjects and 8th overall among UK universities.

The project was carried out at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) under the supervision of Prof. David J. Stensel and Dr. Alice E. Thackray. This research stay provided an opportunity to strengthen international collaboration and advance research at the intersection of exercise, metabolism, and male reproductive health.

We sincerely thank Prof. David J. Stensel, Dr. Alice E. Thackray, and all the members of their research group for their warm welcome, support, and valuable contributions to this project. We look forward to this being the beginning of a fruitful and lasting collaboration between our groups.

24 June 2026

Ana D. Martins Highlights the Growing Challenge of Infertility in Diário de Aveiro

Ana D. Martins recently contributed an opinion article to the Diário de Aveiro as part of the "Química, Sustentabilidade e Sociedade" column, an outreach initiative of LAQV-REQUIMTE at the University of Aveiro. In the article, she discusses the growing challenge of infertility and the importance of understanding the multiple factors that influence reproductive health. As highlighted in the article, "Science now tells us that infertility results from a complex interaction between our metabolism, lifestyle, and exposure to environmental pollutants."

This contribution reflects our group's commitment to science communication and to raising public awareness about the biological and environmental factors that shape reproductive health.

Read the full article here!

24 June 2026

New Study Reveals Dose-Dependent Effects of L-Carnitine on Sertoli Cell Metabolism and Function

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new scientific article in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.

The study demonstrates that physiological levels of L-carnitine promote Sertoli cell proliferation and improve metabolic viability and confirmed the potent antioxidant properties of L-carnitine, showing its ability to protect Sertoli cells against oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage.

In contrast, exposure to supra-physiological concentrations altered Sertoli cell metabolism by reducing the secretion of key metabolites, including lactate, alanine, and acetate, which are essential for germ cell development. Moreover, the highest concentration tested (5 mM) induced cytotoxic effects and compromised membrane integrity, highlighting that excessive supplementation may negatively affect testicular cell function.

These findings emphasize the importance of dose when considering L-carnitine supplementation and provide new insights into its role in maintaining testicular health and male reproductive function.

Read the full article here!

We’re Now on Instagram! 📸

Our research group has just launched an official Instagram page! 🎉
Follow us to stay updated on our latest research highlights, publications, events, and daily lab life.

👉 Don’t miss out — follow us at @_scgbl_ and join our growing scientific community!

For more news about our group check here!

Check these opportunities!

Application Deadline: 15 August 2026

Grant Opportunity: Join the SpermFit Project

We are inviting applications for one Research Grant (RG) to join the SpermFit project. The successful candidate will contribute to research exploring the links between obesity, metabolism, and male reproductive health. The project involves Sertoli and Leydig cell culture, NMR-based metabolomics, molecular biology techniques, and multi-omics data analysis, under the scientific supervision of Prof. Marco G. Alves.

The position is open to candidates with a background in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or related fields, particularly those with experience in reproductive biology, cell culture, metabolomics, and molecular biology.

Applications should be sent by email to marcoalves@ua.pt.

📌 Full details and application information:
🔗 Euraxess job announcement

29 April 2025

Our Lab Joins Trialect as a Host Institution in Portugal

We are excited to announce our new partnership with Trialect, a global platform that connects researchers with clinical and research training opportunities. As a recognized host lab in Portugal, we are now part of Trialect’s international network, offering hands-on training and mentorship in biomedical sciences to early-career researchers and clinicians from around the world.

Our lab specializes in the study of metabolic diseases, reproductive biology, and cellular signaling pathways. Through this collaboration, we will offer short-term research fellowships focused on these areas, providing participants with the opportunity to work on ongoing projects involving molecular biology, metabolomics, and translational research. Fellows will gain practical experience with state-of-the-art methodologies while contributing to impactful research at the intersection of metabolism and human health.

Find more information and apply here!

Research Summary

The overall goal of our research work is to deepen the knowledge on the basic processes involved in the hormonal control of gamete production and functionality, and thereby provide a scientific basis for improving both human reproductive health and fertility.

In our studies we make use of normal and pathological human tissues in order to learn about human reproduction and human pathologies that affect human reproductive health and fertility. Also, we perform studies using rodent model systems and cell-based systems as translational models for the study of the reproductive mechanisms.

In last years, the amount of data suggesting that environmental toxins/endocrine disruptors significantly affect human reproductive health has been increasing. Thus, the Sertoli Cell Biology up will also investigate how these agents affect fertility by means of studies in cell-based systems, animal models and/or human tissues.

Major Research Areas

• Effect of hormones on Sertoli cells ionic and water membrane transport mechanisms;

• Metabolic modulation of spermatogenesis in metabolism-related disorders/pathologies and mechanisms subjacent to the resultant subfertility and infertility;

• Role of sex steroid hormones in fertility and in the functioning of testicular and epididymal reproductive tissues;

• Mechanisms underlying the effect of endocrine disruptors and environmental toxins on human fertility.

Meet the Team

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