Research

researcher at a computer screen

Research at the Gervasi Lab

At the Gervasi Lab, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm capacitation and their impact on early embryo development. Our research explores a novel level of epigenetic inheritance focusing on how the microenvironment in which sperm undergo capacitation can alter their epigenetic landscape and influence early embryogenesis. By studying these processes, we aim to unveil new roles for sperm in reproductive biology and determine how gamete incubation conditions can affect embryo quality. Our findings have the potential to directly inform clinical strategies in ART and infertility treatments, improving protocols to enhance success rates and optimize patient outcomes. Additionally, this research can contribute to the advancement of reproductive technologies in livestock, improving the efficiency of breeding programs and the production of large animal species.

A key focus of our lab is the development and study of sperm treatments designed to enhance IVF outcomes. These treatments aim to optimize sperm function and improve embryo viability by modifying sperm incubation conditions. Our research extends beyond fertilization to assess the long-term impact of sperm treatment on embryo quality.

One approach is the study of the Sperm Energy restriction and Recovery (SER) treatment, where sperm are initially incubated in a medium without energy sources until they become motionless. Then, energy sources are added before IVF. Our data show that SER increases sperm hyperactive motility, which is crucial for fertilization. Additionally, SER-treated sperm produce more two-cell embryos and a higher percentage of blastocysts after IVF. Both SER and control embryos are cultured under the same conditions, highlighting that sperm incubation alone affects post-fertilization development. When SER-derived embryos were transferred to recipient females, we observed higher birth rates compared to controls, suggesting that SER can overcome one of the primary limitations of ART—implantation.

Our overarching goal is to determine how sperm incubation conditions impact early embryo development and implantation potential. By uncovering the molecular basis of the improvements observed with SER, we aim to develop innovative ART protocols that enhance reproductive outcomes. Through this research, we seek to redefine the role of sperm beyond fertilization and pave the way for advancements in reproductive medicine that address male-factor infertility and improve overall ART efficiency.

Publications

  • Glucose prevents the acquisition of the capacitated state in pig spermatozoa. Serrano R, Solar Málaga S, González-Fernández L, Gervasi MG, García-Marín LJ, Bragado MJ, Martin-Hidalgo D. Andrology. 2025 Mar;13(3):637-649. doi: 10.1111/andr.13691. PMID: 38993010
  • Effect of bicarbonate and polyvinyl alcohol on in vitro capacitation and fertilization ability of cryopreserved equine spermatozoa. Arroyo-Salvo C, Río S, Bogetti ME, Plaza J, Miragaya M, Yaneff A, Davio C, Fissore R, Gervasi MG, Gambini A, Perez-Martinez S. Andrology. 2025 Feb;13(2):382-395. doi: 10.1111/andr.13667. PMID: 38804843
  • Treatment of cryopreserved bovine sperm with calcium ionophore A23187 increases in vitro embryo production. Osycka-Salut CE, Waremkraut M, Garaguso R, Piga E, Martínez-León E, Marín-Briggiler CI, Gervasi MG, Navarro M, Visconti PE, Buffone MG, Mutto AA, Krapf D. Theriogenology. 2024 Nov;229:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.009. PMID: 39133991
  • Differential role of bovine serum albumin and HCO3- in the regulation of GSK3 alpha during mouse sperm capacitation. Mohanty G, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Paudel B, Tourzani DA, Salicioni AM, Santi CM, Gervasi MG, Pilsner JR, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Mol Hum Reprod. 2024 Feb 29;30(3):gaae007. doi: 10.1093/molehr/gaae007. PMID: 38341666 
  • Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in maintaining sperm tolerance and male fertility. Barrachina F, Ottino K, Elizagaray ML, Gervasi MG, Tu LJ, Markoulaki S, Spallanzani RG, Capen D, Brown D, Battistone MA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Sep 12;120(37):e2306797120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2306797120. PMID: 37676910 
  • Mouse sperm energy restriction and recovery (SER) revealed novel metabolic pathways. Romarowski A, Fejzo J, Nayyab S, Martin-Hidalgo D, Gervasi MG, Balbach M, Violante S, Salicioni AM, Cross J, Levin LR, Buck J, Visconti PE. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2023 Aug 15;11:1234221. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1234221. eCollection 2023. PMID: 37655160
  • Effects of preconception exposure to phthalates on mouse sperm capacitation parameters. Mohanty G, Tourzani DA, Gervasi MG, Houle E, Oluwayiose O, Suvorov A, Pilsner JR, Visconti PE. Andrology. 2023 Oct;11(7):1484-1494. doi: 10.1111/andr.13423. PMID: 36891737
  • Sperm Energy Restriction and Recovery (SER) Alters Epigenetic Marks during the First Cell Cycle of Development in Mice. Tourzani DA, Yin Q, Jackson EA, Rando OJ, Visconti PE, Gervasi MG. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 30;24(1):640. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010640. PMID: 36614081