Reproductomics: Exploring the Applications and Advancements of Computational Tools.

Abstract

Over recent decades, advancements in omics technologies, such as proteomics, genomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and microbiomics, have significantly enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying various physiological and pathological processes. Nonetheless, the analysis and interpretation of vast omics data concerning reproductive diseases are complicated by the cyclic regulation of hormones and multiple other factors, which, in conjunction with a genetic makeup of an individual, lead to diverse biological responses. Reproductomics investigates the interplay between a hormonal regulation of an individual, environmental factors, genetic predisposition (DNA composition and epigenome), health effects, and resulting biological outcomes. It is a rapidly emerging field that utilizes computational tools to analyze and interpret reproductive data, with the aim of improving reproductive health outcomes. It is time to explore the applications of reproductomics in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying infertility, identification of potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment, and in improving assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Reproductomics tools include machine learning algorithms for predicting fertility outcomes, gene editing technologies for correcting genetic abnormalities, and single cell sequencing techniques for analyzing gene expression patterns at the individual cell level. However, there are several challenges, limitations and ethical issues involved with the use of reproductomics, such as the applications of gene editing technologies and their potential impact on future generations are discussed. The review comprehensively covers the applications and advancements of reproductomics, highlighting its potential to improve reproductive health outcomes and deepen our understanding of reproductive molecular mechanisms.