Multi-omics Mendelian randomization identifies mitochondrial genes associated with immune microenvironment signatures in endometriosis - Report - MDSpire

Multi-omics Mendelian randomization identifies mitochondrial genes associated with immune microenvironment signatures in endometriosis

  • By

  • Sha Wang

  • Xiaoyu Ji

  • Maako Moriyama

  • Yukihiro Azuma

  • Ikumi Wada

  • Tasuku Harada

  • Fuminori Taniguchi

  • May 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Integration of Multi-Omics and Mendelian Randomization Reveals Mitochondrial Genes Linked to Immune Microenvironment in Endometriosis

Overview

This study identifies 128 mitochondrial genes with significant causal relationships to endometriosis, highlighting GPD2 and MRPS6 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may influence endometriosis through immune modulation.

Background

Endometriosis affects 10%-15% of reproductive-age women and is associated with chronic inflammation, pain, and infertility. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study leverages multi-omics approaches to clarify the role of mitochondrial genes in the disease's pathogenesis.

Data Highlights

GeneSignificancePathway
GPD2HighImmune modulation
MRPS6HighImmune modulation
PHYHModerateFatty acid elongation
C12orf65ModerateSteroid biosynthesis
RPL21ModerateMitochondrial gene expression

Key Findings

  • 128 mitochondrial genes were identified with significant causal relationships to endometriosis.
  • Key feature genes include GPD2 and MRPS6, which showed predictive value in endometriosis diagnosis.
  • These genes were significantly associated with immune cells, particularly macrophages and NK cells.
  • Functional enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid elongation.
  • Immunohistochemical validation confirmed high expression of GPD2 and MRPS6 in endometrial samples from patients.

Clinical Implications

The identification of GPD2 and MRPS6 as potential biomarkers may enhance early diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies for endometriosis. Understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in immune modulation could inform future therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the causal relationships between mitochondrial genes and endometriosis, paving the way for precision medicine in managing this complex disorder.

Related Resources & Content

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  2. Clinical Rheumatology, 2025 -- Mendelian Randomization Study Investigates the Influence of Skin Microbiota on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  3. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Multi-omics insights into immune tolerance at the maternal–fetal interface in recurrent pregnancy loss: mechanisms, integration challenges, and translational perspectives
  4. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Multi-omics integration and Mendelian randomization elucidate the PARP16–UPR axis driving chemoresistance in gastric cancer
  5. Diagnosis of Endometriosis | ACOG, 2026
  6. Two-year efficacy and safety of relugolix combination therapy in women with endometriosis-associated pain: SPIRIT open-label extension study - PMC
  7. Multi-ancestry genome-wide association and integrated multi-omics analyses of endometriosis and its clinical manifestations | Nature Genetics, 2026
  8. Diagnosis of Endometriosis | ACOG
  9. Two-year efficacy and safety of relugolix combination therapy in women with endometriosis-associated pain: SPIRIT open-label extension study - PMC
  10. Multi-ancestry genome-wide association and integrated multi-omics analyses of endometriosis and its clinical manifestations | Nature Genetics

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