From polygenic risk to functional genomics: a framework for precision gynecological disease modeling
2026-08-27
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.