SC & Gamete Biology Lab

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

Honourable Mention at the XVII Biochemistry Day Science Exhibition Contest

Our research group recently participated in the XVII Biochemistry Day, organized by the Núcleo de Estudantes de Química of the Associação Académica da Universidade de Aveiro.

As part of the event, we joined the Science Exhibition Contest with the activity “Motility Modulators: Unveiling the Biochemical Machinery of the Flagellum.” Through this interactive activity, participants had the opportunity to explore the biochemical mechanisms that regulate sperm motility and understand their importance for male reproductive health.The activity was prepared and presented by our PhD students Rúben J. Moreira and Diana C.A. André, our international student Julia Stein, and Inês Aires, a student from Prof. Rita Ferreira’s group.

We are proud to share that our activity received an Honourable Mention in the contest.

Congratulations to everyone involved for their excellent work in science communication and outreach!

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!

Application Deadline: 11 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon)

Postdoctoral Fellowship Research Position Open in Our Lab!

We are excited to announce that our research group is recruiting a new team member within the framework of the SpermFit project.

A postdoctoral research position is now open, offering the opportunity to join our lab and contribute to innovative research in reproductive biology and experimental biomedicine. The selected candidate will integrate an active and international research environment, working on cutting-edge scientific questions under the scope of the SpermFit project.

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

📌 Full details and application information:
🔗 Euraxess job announcement
📰 University of Aveiro news

20 February 2026

Prof. Marco G. Alves to Deliver Lecture in BEb Advanced Course

Prof. Marco G. Alves will deliver a lecture within the BEb Advanced Courses at the Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), as part of the course “Environmental and Metabolic Drivers of Physiological Decline.”

The lecture will take place at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra and is integrated into the Doctoral Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, providing advanced training to graduate students and early-career researchers.

More details about the lecture here!

11 February 2026

Prof. Marco G. Alves to Present at “Talking Heads: Mapping Design Research Opportunities for Health Care”

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Marco G. Alves will be presenting at the upcoming Talking Heads event titled “Mapping Design Research Opportunities for Health Care.” The session will take place on 11 February 2026 at the University of Aveiro.

This event brings together experts from diverse fields to explore how design research can contribute to innovation in health care, offering a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration.

More details about the event can be found on the University of Aveiro’s agenda page.

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!

01 January 2026

First Publication of 2026: Review on Anthocyanins and Metabolic Health

We are delighted to share our first publication of the year in Antioxidants: “Anthocyanins as Promising Bioactives for Metabolic Health: Insights into Precision Nutrition and Medicine”

This extensive international review - conducted in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Messina (Italy) - explores the health-promoting properties of anthocyanins. The article summarizes current evidence supporting the metabolic benefits of anthocyanins and discusses how these compounds could be integrated into precision medicine strategies to support metabolic health.

You can read the paper here!

30 December 2025

Our Last Publication of the Year Is Out!

We are happy to share that our group has just published the final paper of the year in Pharmaceuticals: “Losartan Protects Against Radiation-Induced Testicular Damage by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Testosterone Levels, and Metabolic Profile”

This work results from an international collaboration with colleagues from Marília Medical School (São Paulo, Brazil) and provides new insights into how losartan — a commonly used antihypertensive drug — may help protect male reproductive health under conditions of radiation exposure.

You can read the paper here!

18 December 2025

New Review Published in The Journal of Physiology

Our group has published a new review article in The Journal of Physiology entitled “Lifestyle implications of the paradox and management of oxidative stress in sperm.”

This review explores the dual and paradoxical role of oxidative stress in male reproduction. Importantly, the article discusses how lifestyle-related factors, including diet, physical activity, stress, and exposure to pollutants, influence redox balance in sperm. It also reviews current and emerging non-pharmacological strategies to mitigate pathological oxidative stress, such as antioxidant supplementation, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, and healthy lifestyle modifications.

By addressing the fine balance between physiological and pathological oxidative stress, this work provides valuable insights for advancing strategies aimed at improving male reproductive health.

📄 Read the full review here!!

18 December 2025

Master’s Defense by André Pinto🎓

Our master’s student André Pinto has completed his master’s degree by defending his thesis entitled “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Male Reproductive Health: An In Vitro Study on Leydig Cell Function.”

This research, supervised by Prof. Dr. Marco G. Alves (DCM-UA) and Prof. Dr. Pedro F. Oliveira (DQ-UA), focused on exploring the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on Leydig cell function and their potential implications for male reproductive health.

We congratulate André on reaching this important academic milestone!

18 December 2025

Master’s Defense by Margarida Figueiredo🎓

Our master’s student Margarida Figueiredo successfully defended her thesis “Chemical Reversal of Aging in Sertoli Cells: Implications for Male Reproductive Health”. The work was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Marco G. Alves (DCM-UA) and Prof. Dr. Pedro F. Oliveira (DQ-UA).

Congratulations to Margarida on this academic milestone and on the excellent work developed during her master’s degree. We wish her every success in her future professional endeavors!

3 December 2025

Master’s Defense by Camila Neto 🎓

Today, December 3rd, 2025, our master’s student Camila Neto successfully defended her dissertation titled “Discovering Infertility Bio(Glyco)Markers in Human Spermatozoa”. Her work was developed under the supervision of Dr. Ana D. Martins (DQ-UA) from our research group and Dr. José Alexandre Ferreira (IPO-Porto).

Congratulations to Camila on this important milestone and for the excellent work developed throughout her master’s degree. We wish her all the best in the next steps of her scientific journey!

November 2025

Our Research Cited in the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) Report

We are pleased to share that our group’s work has been cited in the recent Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority document “Proposed suspension of dimethoate products – Submissions received.”
This recognition highlights the international relevance and impact of our research on toxicology and reproductive health.

The citation refers specifically to our publication:
“Chronic Exposure to Dimethoate Induces Metabolic Dysregulation in Rat Testis” (Metabolites, 2021).

Being referenced in such a high-impact regulatory context reinforces the importance of our findings regarding pesticide exposure and male reproductive toxicity.

New Publication in Human Reproduction!

We are thrilled to announce that our team has published a new article in Human Reproduction, one of the leading journals in our field. The paper, titled “A novel CFTR–AQP7 protein complex regulates glycerol transport and motility of human sperm”, explores how the interaction between CFTR and AQP7 influences glycerol transport and sperm motility, highlighting a potential male infertility mechanism.

📄 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!

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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