FemLife-OMICS: Precision Medicine Initiative for Women’s Reproductive Health, Aging and Cancer – from Oocyte to Oncology

FemLife‑OMICS is an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on understanding women’s health across the entire lifespan – from the earliest stages of oocyte development to reproductive aging, chronic conditions and cancer. The project investigates how molecular, metabolic, microbial, environmental and social factors jointly shape fertility, reproductive longevity, cancer susceptibility and overall well being. In a world marked by delayed motherhood, rising infertility, metabolic disorders and hormone driven cancers, FemLife‑OMICS offers a comprehensive, science driven framework to support women’s health in every stage of life.

The initiative brings together clinicians, molecular biologists, microbiologists, chemists, bioinformaticians, veterinarians and social scientists to build new precision medicine solutions for diagnostics, prevention and personalized therapies. Research is organized into four complementary modules:

Module 1: ChronoFert – Reproductive Chronobiology and Oocyte Aging

This module explores the biological timing of oocyte aging, focusing on DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupted signaling pathways and epigenetic changes. By integrating transcriptomic, epigenetic and metabolomic profiling, the research aims to identify biomarkers of oocyte quality and build predictive models of reproductive aging. The results are expected to enhance IVF diagnostics, support fertility preservation and provide new insights into extending reproductive longevity.

Module 2: OncoMap – Mapping Cancer and Reproductive Health

OncoMap examines the interplay between breast and ovarian cancers, reproductive health and the microbiome‑metabolome axis. Through multi‑omics profiling of patient samples and AI‑based prediction models, the module aims to identify biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification and therapy response. Special attention is given to the tumor-microbiome interface, a rapidly emerging factor influencing cancer progression and treatment outcomes. Findings will suport integrative, patient centered oncology care.

Module 3: EndoMetrix – Endometriosis and Metabolic Dysregulation

EndoMetrix addresses the complex pathophysiology of endometriosis through a comprehensive multi‑omics approach, integrating metabolomics, microbiome analysis and proteomics. By examining diverse biological samples from patients and experimental models, it seeks to uncover metabolic and immune mechanisms underlying the disease. The goal is to develop personalized, low‑toxicity therapeutic strategies and improve fertility outcomes for women affected by this chronic condition.

Module 4: BioMod – Bioactive Compounds and Immune Modulation

This module investigates natural bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, microbial metabolites, marine products and peptide‑rich postbiotics – as modulators of immunity, microbiota and tumor‑host interactions. Using advanced translational models (ovarian and endometrial organoids, SHIME® microbiota simulations, in ovo tumor models), BioMod aims to identify compounds that enhance therapeutic response, reduce inflammation and support reproductive and immune health. Expected outcomes include extended reproductive lifespan, improved cancer therapy response, better dysbiosis management, and reduced inflammation.

The project aims to deliver new biomarkers, predictive models, low‑toxicity therapeutic strategies and deeper biological insights that support fertility preservation, women’s cancer prevention and improved reproductive health.

Beyond its scientific goals, FemLife‑OMICS places strong emphasis on empowerment, education and science-society dialogue. The initiative promotes women’s health literacy, supports patient engagement, and trains a new generation of researchers dedicated to equity in healthcare.