Chromossome segregation in disease Lab

We investigate chromosome segregation in rare diseases and cancer, bridging fundamental biology with clinical impact.

We don’t just look for answers—we challenge ourselves to ask better questions. We give our best every day, working with what we have for what truly matters.

Learn More About Our Work

Our story,
our research

Get to Know Us

Every lab has a story — ours began with a paradox. Why do mitotic proteins, essential for cell division, play a role in the brain, where cells rarely divide? This question shaped our research and continues to drive us forward.

Lab research

Our work is built around three major research areas

Mitotic Proteins in the Brain

Why do mitotic proteins persist in neurons that no longer divide?
How do they contribute to brain function and development?
Could their misregulation play a role in neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases?

Mitosis and Rare Diseases

Rare syndromes give us a unique perspective on how mitotic proteins function beyond cell division.
Cells from patients help us uncover mechanisms underlying neurological disorders.

Climate Change
& Cancer

How do environmental changes impact chromosome stability and cancer risk?
Could the brain be more vulnerable than other organs in this scenario?

Lab Culture & Values

Founded on International Women’s Day 2022, our lab stands for excellence, inclusion, and sustainability.

We drive for excellence in our research to pursue the unknown and by questioning dogmas.

We believe that great science happens in a collaborative and friendly environment where everyone—regardless of experience or background—has the freedom to question, experiment, and grow. Science thrives when everyone has a voice and knowledge flows in all directions.

Scientific laboratories create a huge amount of waste every single day. We have incorporated management policies and approaches into our research to promote sustainability and reduce our environmental footprint.

We may not have all the answers, but we commit to giving our best every day.

Meet the team

Get to know the (current) people behind our research.

Sara Carvalhal

Junior Group Leader

Xavier Jorge

Lab Technician & Manager

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Anita Ferreira

MSc Student

António Titosse

PhD Student

Lab Annual Photo

Once part of our lab, always part of our journey.

On our Lab Annual Lunch we take our Lab Annual Photo, celebrating everyone who has contributed to our work over the years.

Art made with our science

Science advances through collaboration, and society plays a vital role in making that possible. While research funding is often limited, collective effort allows us to keep pushing boundaries.

The artwork shown on the left was created by Livia Furtado, a talented student from the Visual Arts program at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UAlg.

It was part of a recent crowdfunding initiative to support our research.

If you'd like to contribute, donations are eligible for tax benefits in Portugal. Feel free to contact us at scarvalhallab@ualg.pt and help us continue our mission.

Inside the Lab:

A New Space for Sharing Science

We are excited to launch this space to share what’s happening in our lab! While our research focuses on fundamental science, discoveries are meant to be shared. This is our way of opening up the lab to the world—whether you are a fellow scientist, a student considering research, or simply someone curious about what we do.

Check here