Gynecology and Reproduction: Genomics and Stem Cells

The basic premise of the program is that the results of genomic and other “omic” technologies, their integration, as well as stem cell technology can contribute significant new insights into the understanding, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human disease. The program aims to use state of the art genomic methodologies, including Next Generation Sequencing (for the purpose of exome / genome sequencing), global transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis, microbiome analysis and stem cell technology, in order to further our knowledge in the fields of etiology and the mechanisms of selected pathologic states in gynecology and obstetrics such as gynecological cancer (i.e. breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other cancer syndromes which affect reproductive organs), endometriosis, male infertility and preterm birth. With the development of new algorithms for clinical interpretation of genomic data we will contribute to bridging the gap in translating next generation sequencing methods to clinical diagnostics. We will use new genomic methods to develop innovative, noninvasive methods of prenatal screening for aneuploidies and genetic diagnostics of monogenic disease, and also for the purpose of preimplantational genetic diagnosis. In this context we will be contributing to the development of methods for primary prevention of genetic disease. With the help of global genomic analysis (NGS, transcriptomics), we will provide new understanding of the processes involved in successful natural and assisted reproduction. Using analysis and integration of personal genomic information (exome / genome sequences, familiy history provided on the basis of a studied illness or familial disease), personal exposome (information about environmental risk factors) and microbiome data (profiling done based on next generation sequencing) we aim to develop predictive models that will contribute to bettering the development of personalized medicine, as well as translating our findings of basic biomedical research into clinical practice. In the proposed program we intend to continue transferring innovative, pioneering treatment using stem cells in the field of urinary incontinence in every day clinical practice. By acquiring original scientific knowledge we will not only contribute to the development of the gynecological and obstetric professions and genomic medicine, but we will also further the improvement of new scientific services in the previously mentioned fields, and contribute to the education of research and clinical personnel. In this way, we aim to help to improve our National Health System and with that the health and quality of life of the general population.

Using innovative state of the art genomic methodologies, including Next Generation Sequencing (for the purpose of exome / genome sequencing), we plan to contribute to our knowledge in the fields of etiology and the mechanisms of selected pathologic states in gynecology and obstetrics such as gynecological cancer (i.e. breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other cancer syndromes which affect reproductive organs), endometriosis, male infertility and preterm birth as well as contribute new approaches to primary prevention of genetic disorders and improve success of assisted reproduction. With the development of new algorithms for clinical interpretation of genomic data we will contribute to bridging the gap in translating next generation sequencing methods to clinical diagnostics. Using analysis and integration of personal genomic information (exome / genome sequences, family history provided on the basis of a studied illness or familial disease), personal exposome (information about environmental risk factors) and microbiome data (profiling done based on next generation sequencing) we aim to develop predictive models that will contribute to bettering the development of personalized medicine, as well as translating our findings of basic biomedical research into clinical practice. In the proposed program we also intend to continue transferring innovative, pioneering treatment using stem cells in the field of urinary incontinence in every day clinical practice.

By acquiring original scientific knowledge we will not only contribute to the development of the gynecological and obstetric professions and genomic medicine, but we will also contribute to the education of research and clinical personnel. In this way, we aim to help to improve our National Health System and with that the health and quality of life of the general population.