From polygenic risk to functional genomics: a framework for precision gynecological disease modeling

Gynecological conditions including endometriosis, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome and malignancies cause widespread chronic morbidity and infertility, yet translating genetic discoveries into biological mechanisms remains challenging. We propose a framework integrating biobank-derived human genetic data, patient-derived stem cell models, and advanced tissue engineering. By combining naturally occurring genetic variation with targeted genome engineering and high-resolution molecular analyses, this approach promises to enable mechanistic insights and therapeutic discovery. We discuss methodological, ethical, and translational challenges, including polygenic risk score construction, variant prioritization, ancestry-related limitations, and modeling hormonal microenvironments. Together, this framework offers a roadmap for advancing functional genomics and precision medicine across gynecological diseases.

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Publication Details

Journal
Nature Communications
Published
2026-08-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-77342-1
Primary Topic
Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

From polygenic risk to functional genomics: a framework for precision gynecological disease modeling

Masuma Khatun, Andres Salumets, Juha S. Tapanainen
Nature Communications
Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
article

From polygenic risk to functional genomics: a framework for precision gynecological disease modeling

Masuma Khatun, Andres Salumets, Juha S. Tapanainen
article en

Abstract

Gynecological conditions including endometriosis, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome and malignancies cause widespread chronic morbidity and infertility, yet translating genetic discoveries into biological mechanisms remains challenging. We propose a framework integrating biobank-derived human genetic data, patient-derived stem cell models, and advanced tissue engineering. By combining naturally occurring genetic variation with targeted genome engineering and high-resolution molecular analyses, this approach promises to enable mechanistic insights and therapeutic discovery. We discuss methodological, ethical, and translational challenges, including polygenic risk score construction, variant prioritization, ancestry-related limitations, and modeling hormonal microenvironments. Together, this framework offers a roadmap for advancing functional genomics and precision medicine across gynecological diseases.

Nature CommunicationsVol. 17(1)
Karolinska University Hospital (SE), University of Helsinki (FI), Helsinki University Hospital (FI), Karolinska Institutet (SE), Competence Centre on Health Technologies (Estonia) (EE), University of Tartu (EE)
Eesti Teadusagentuur, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Novo Nordisk, Vetenskapsrådet, Sigrid Juséliuksen Säätiö, K. Albin Johanssons Stiftelse, Novo Nordisk Fonden, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Uudenmaan Rahasto
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
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