FARDILHA'S
LAB

We are pleased to share that a study developed by researchers at the University of Aveiro has been highlighted by the University, reporting promising findings on novel experimental peptides with potential relevance for prostate cancer research. The study shows that bioportides targeting Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1)—an enzyme implicated in prostate cancer progression and resistance to hormonal therapies—can significantly reduce the viability of prostate cancer cells. This effec

We are pleased to share our latest publication in the Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry: “Exploring the effects of lifelong aerobic exercise on early skeletal muscle remodeling between 8 and 14 months in the rat” Our findings show that lifelong aerobic exercise mitigates early age-related skeletal muscle decline, preserving muscle mass, mitochondrial function, and metabolic balance—highlighting the importance of early interventions in preventing sarcopenia. Congratulatio

We are pleased to share that the project led by Dr. Joana Santiago has been featured by the University of Aveiro. The FERTI$CAN project aims to develop an innovative molecular-based method to complement conventional diagnostic tools for male infertility. While male factors contribute to around half of all infertility cases, diagnosis remains largely dependent on semen analysis assessing concentration, motility and morphology. In a significant proportion of cases, results fal

We are pleased to share that our latest research, “Proteomic dynamics of bull sperm during post-testicular maturation,” has been published in BMC Genomics by Inês Leites, Patrícia Diniz, Margarida Fardilha , Joana Santiago , Graça Ferreira-Dias, Luís Lopes-da-Costa, and Elisabete Silva. This study provides a comprehensive proteomic characterisation of bovine sperm throughout epididymal transit, revealing dynamic metabolic reprogramming, vesicle-mediated interactions during

Under the framework of the SpermXYSort project, members of Fardilha’s Lab, together with Prof. Bruno Colaço and Cândida Cruz, visited the rabbit breeding facility at Sociedade Agrícola Fonte do Ouro. Our primary objective was to engage with the producer to understand the current challenges in reproduction. Since our project is dedicated to developing a novel sperm sexing method, these on-site insights are critical for tailoring our approach to optimize breeding efficiency whi

We are pleased to share the publication of the article “Screening anticancer peptides performance in organotypic prostate tumor–stroma 3D models” by Bárbara Matos, Maria V. Monteiro, Matilde R. Lagarto, John Howl, Carmen Jerónimo, Vítor M. Gaspar, João F. Mano and Margarida Fardilha, published in the International Journal of Cancer. This study addresses prostate cancer as a persistent therapeutic challenge and explores the potential of anticancer peptides targeting protein–p

We are pleased to announce the publication of the article “Galectin-3 (Gal-3) Inhibitors as Radiosensitizers for Prostate Cancer” by Renato M. Rodrigues, Bárbara Matos, Vera Miranda-Gonçalves, Carmen Jerónimo and Margarida Fardilha, published in Therapeutics (2026, 3(1), 7). In this study, we addressed radioresistance as a major therapeutic challenge in prostate cancer by investigating the role of Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and the impact of its pharmacological inhibition using GB11

We are pleased to share that Joana Santiago , researcher at Fardilha's Laboratory - Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro , took part in an episode of the “90 Seconds of Science” podcast, where she discussed the FERTI$CAN project and its contribution to improving the diagnosis and prognosis of male infertility. The project focuses on identifying sperm biomarkers to support more accurate and personalised fertility treatments, and is funded by the Portuguese Foundati

We are pleased to share that Professor Margarida Fardilha and Renato M. Rodrigues are now members of the new Pedagogical Council , which officially took office on 10 December 2025 . This appointment reflects our continued commitment to advancing high-quality teaching, strengthening pedagogical innovation, and enhancing the academic experience within our institution. We look forward to contributing to a collaborative, student-centred and excellence-driven educational environ

We are thrilled to share our latest contribution to the field of toxicology and environmental health, titled "Hazard identification and characterization of leachable chemicals from plastic products – a new PARC project." As part of the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), this work focuses on a critical challenge of our time: understanding the chemical mixtures leaching from everyday plastic products and their potential impact on human healt

We are proud to share that our systematic review, Exposure to mercury and human reproductive health: A systematic review (Henriques, M.C., Loureiro, S., Fardilha, M., Herdeiro, M.T.; Reproductive Toxicology, 85:93–103), has been cited in a recent report by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL). The report warns that chemical pollution is driving a growing men’s health crisis in Europe, with increasing rates of prostate and testicular cancer and male infertility linked to

The University of Aveiro (UA) has recognised the outstanding contributions of Prof. Margarida Fardilha and Catarina Leitão by awarding them for their innovative project “NISA – Level Up to Integrate: Digital Strategies for Academic Success” , as part of the “Incentives for Pedagogical Innovation Projects – More Digital Boost” competition. The project aims to enhance academic success through the development and implementation of digital strategies that support student learning

Our recent paper, “Exploring the feasibility of PP1-docking motif-mimetic cell-penetrating peptides for modulating prostate carcinogenesis” , investigates how PP1-docking motif–mimetic peptides can be used as a novel strategy to modulate prostate cancer progression . The study bridges molecular mechanisms and translational therapeutic perspectives , highlighting the potential of targeting PP1-regulatory interactions as an innovative approach in prostate cancer biology. This

Our recent paper, “Mercury exposure and male fertility: Studying the impact of environmental bioaccumulation on semen quality”, explores how environmental mercury exposure may affect male reproductive health. The study examines the biological mechanisms of mercury bioaccumulation and its potential influence on semen parameters, highlighting the broader implications of environmental contaminants on human fertility. This work contributes to the growing body of evidence linking

Join us online on Friday, 24 October (14:30–18:30) for a unique event that brings together educators, students, and researchers to...

We are pleased to announce our latest article: “Endothelial responses to angiogenic modulators highlight metabolic mechanisms underlying...

We are delighted to announce that Anna Kobrock , PhD candidate in Biomedical Sciences at ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel...

As part of her research at iBiMED – Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro , Professor Margarida Fardilha integrates the...

Prof. Margarida Fardilha, coordinator of the Fardilha's Lab, takes the spotlight in the opening episode of the new season of UA’s...

We are proud to announce the publication of our new study, “Identification of the PP1 interactome in human dental pulp: Insights for...

Prof. Margarida Fardilha , Associate Professor with Habilitation at the Department of Medical Sciences and Coordinator of Fardilha’s...