Female reproductive and metabolic health are intricately intertwined, yet the underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Growing evidence indicates that genetic variation, metabolic and proteomic profiles, lifestyle factors, and medical history all contribute to the complex interactions between reproductive and metabolic traits in women. However, the integrated effects of these multi-dimensional factors have not been systematically explored.
This project aims to comprehensively investigate the relationships among genetic predisposition, metabolic and proteomic signatures, epidemiologic factors, and electronic health record data in relation to female reproductive and metabolic health. We will: 1) systematically assess and compare the impact of genetic, metabolic, proteomic, lifestyle, disease, and medication use factors on key reproductive and metabolic outcomes in women; 2) explore the combined and interactive effects of these factors using integrated multi-omics and real-world health data; and 3) apply genetic epidemiology methodologies, such as Mendelian randomization, to infer causality in these relationships. A particular emphasis will be placed on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent and complex disorder of female reproductive and metabolic health that affects ~15% percent of reproductive-aged women.
The goal of this project is to advance our understanding of the biological and environmental interplay underlying female reproductive and metabolic health. We hope to provide new insights for the identification of potential biomarkers, prevention strategies, and therapeutic targets to improve women’s health outcomes.