SC & Gamete Biology Lab

14 May 2026

Rúben J. Moreira Selected for the FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum 2026

Our PhD student Rúben J. Moreira has been selected as an awardee for the 25th edition of the FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum (YSF), which will take place in Wageningen, the Netherlands, from 2–4 July 2026, in conjunction with the 50th FEBS Congress in Maastricht.

The FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum is a prestigious initiative that brings together PhD students and early-career researchers from across Europe to present their work, exchange ideas, and establish international scientific connections. This year, 103 young scientists from approximately 300 applicants representing 30 countries were selected to participate in the event.

The award supports participation in both the YSF and the FEBS Congress. The program includes keynote lectures, career development workshops, scientific presentations, and networking opportunities designed to foster the next generation of researchers in the molecular life sciences.

We congratulate Rúben on this important achievement and recognition of his scientific work.

Find more about YSF2026 here!

23 April 2026

New Publication Reveals How Anthocyanins Modulate Androgen Synthesis

Our research group has published a new article entitled “Pro-Oxidant Anthocyanins-Enriched Fraction Inhibits Androgen Synthesis by Transcriptional Repression of Cyp17a1 Through Nr0b2.”

This study, developed in collaboration between the University of Aveiro and the University of Messina, uncovers a novel mechanism by which anthocyanin-rich fractions can influence male reproductive function. The findings show that these compounds act through transcriptional regulation, repressing Cyp17a1 expression via Nr0b2, ultimately leading to reduced androgen synthesis.

This work contributes to a deeper understanding of how metabolic and environmental factors can impact steroidogenesis, opening new avenues for research in male reproductive health and endocrine regulation.

Read the paper here!

17 April 2026

Prof. Maria de Lourdes Pereira Honoured at the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Biology

Prof. Maria de Lourdes Pereira was recently highlighted during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Department of Biology at the University of Aveiro, in recognition of a historic academic milestone. She was the first professor in the department to complete a public Agregação (Habilitation) defence, marking an important moment in its academic history.

As part of this tribute, a commemorative photograph has been installed in the department acknowledging her achievement. This recognition highlights her lasting contribution to the development of the department and to the advancement of research and teaching in the field of biology.

The inscription reads:

"The first Aggregation made in DBio. On March 10 and 11, 2003, Maria de Lourdes Gomes Pereira, a faculty member at DBio between 1982 and 2018, and currently in the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Aveiro, undertook the public examinations for Agregação (Habilitation) in Group/Subgroup 8 – Biology. The lecture was titled "Heavy metal toxicity in spermatogenesis: effects on male fertility," and the curricular unit presented was "Human Biology and Health" (Report on the Program, Contents, and Teaching Methods). The jury was chaired by Vice-Rector Francisco Vaz, with the following members: Maria Susana Newton de Almeida Santos (University of Coimbra), Alfredo Jorge Silva (Technical University of Lisbon), Carlos Azevedo (University of Porto), Graça Simões de Carvalho (University of Minho), Gustavo Caldeira (University of Aveiro), Amadeu Soares (University of Aveiro). The candidate was approved unanimously."

15 April 2026

Prof. Pedro F. Oliveira Receives Teaching Excellence Award

Prof. Pedro F. Oliveira has been awarded the “Prémio de Boas Práticas Pedagógicas” (Award for Good Pedagogical Practices) during the Prémios UA ceremony, organized by the University of Aveiro. This distinction recognizes his outstanding commitment to teaching excellence and pedagogical innovation.

This distinction highlights his dedication to creating engaging learning environments and promoting high-quality education, reflecting the important role of teaching alongside research within our academic community.

We warmly congratulate Prof. Pedro F. Oliveira on this well-deserved recognition.

You can read more about the ceremony here!

Date: 11 April 2026

Marco Alves Joins Round Table on Male Contraception

Prof. Marco Alves will participate in a round table discussion on male contraception this Saturday, 11 April, as part of the Meet.Lab event organized by the Biology Students’ Association of the University of Coimbra.

This initiative brings together researchers and students to discuss emerging topics in biology, with a focus on current challenges and future perspectives. Prof. Marco Alves will contribute his expertise to the discussion on male reproductive health, addressing scientific advances and the broader implications of developing new contraceptive approaches.

This event represents an important opportunity for science communication and engagement with the academic community, fostering dialogue on a topic of growing relevance.

📚 Check the official Instagram page of the event here!

3 April 2026

New Publication Explores the Role of Glycoproteins in Male Fertility

Our research group has published a new article entitled “License to bind: Role of glycoproteins in male (in)fertility” in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Proteins and Proteomics.

In this work, we provide an overview of the critical roles played by glycoproteins in male reproductive function, with a particular focus on their involvement in sperm development, maturation, and fertilization processes. The review also discusses how alterations in glycosylation patterns may contribute to impaired fertility, highlighting glycoproteins as important players in both physiological and pathological contexts.

This publication contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying male fertility and opens new perspectives for the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

📚 Read it here!

26 March 2026

Giuseppe T. Patanè Presents Research at the 1st SIB Young Meeting

Giuseppe T. Patanè participated in the 1st SIB Young Meeting, held from 25–27 March 2026 in Abano Terme (Italy). During the meeting, he delivered an oral presentation entitled “Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside Dose-Dependently Protects Redox Balance but Suppresses PKA-Driven Steroidogenesis in Healthy Leydig Cells.”

This work, developed at the University of Aveiro, explores the dual effects of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, a dietary anthocyanin, on Leydig cell function. The findings highlight a dose-dependent interplay between antioxidant protection and the regulation of steroid hormone production.

His participation in this meeting reflects the continued impact and dissemination of our group's research.

18 March 2026

iBiMED Winter Seminar by Prof. Marco G. Alves a Success!!

The seminar delivered by Prof. Marco G. Alves as part of the iBiMED Winter Seminar Series was a great success.

The session, titled “The Enduring Impact of Diet on Male Fertility and Offspring Health,” brought together students and researchers for an engaging discussion on the role of metabolism and nutrition in reproductive health. The presentation also highlighted the current research lines from the Sertoli Cell and Gamete Biology Lab.

We thank everyone who attended and contributed to the stimulating discussion!

04 March 2026

Rúben J. Moreira Joins the Scientific Committee of the SPB Junior Section

We are proud to share that our PhD student Rúben J. Moreira will integrate the Scientific Committee of the Junior Section of the Portuguese Biochemical Society (SPB).

This appointment recognizes his active involvement in the scientific community and his commitment to supporting early-career researchers within the field of biochemistry. Through this role, Rúben will contribute to the organization of scientific initiatives and activities aimed at fostering networking, training, and collaboration among young scientists.

Congratulations, Rúben, on this achievement!

28 January 2026

New Publication: Sertoli Cell Redox Imbalance Induced by Tributyltin Exposure

We are proud to share a new research article in Archives of Toxicology:
“Metabolic and antioxidant imbalance in Sertoli cells induced by tributyltin exposure is accompanied by Sirt3 downregulation.”

This study investigates how tributyltin (TBT), an environmental obesogen and endocrine disruptor, affects the redox balance and metabolism of Sertoli cells, key support cells in the testis. The work shows that TBT disrupts antioxidant capacity and metabolic activity in these cells through downregulation of SIRT3, highlighting important mechanisms by which environmental contaminants can impair male reproductive health.

Congratulations to all co-authors for this valuable contribution to reproductive toxicology!

📄 Read the article here!

02 January 2026

New Publication in Reproductive Toxicology

We are excited to share our latest research article published in Reproductive Toxicology: “β-Caryophyllene mitigates metabolic dysfunction in the testes of gerbils perinatally exposed to BPA”

This study arose from an international collaboration between our group and colleagues from São Paulo State University and the State University of Campinas (Brazil). The work demonstrates that β-caryophyllene, a natural dietary compound, can alleviate metabolic disruptions in testicular tissue induced by perinatal exposure to bisphenol A.

Congratulations to all co-authors for this important contribution to reproductive toxicology and metabolic health research!

You can read the paper 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!

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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