Foundation Projects Microbiome（2023/4~）

Understanding the interaction and symbiosis between the gut microbiota and the host, and identifying functional bacterial cocktails

• Keio University Co-leader : Prof. Kenya Honda (Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine)
• JSR Corp. Co-leader : Kenichi Hamada

Background

A wide variety of microorganisms live in various parts of the human body in a symbiotic manner. Numerous studies have revealed that the population of symbiotic microorganisms (microbiota) is closely related to the maintenance of physiological functions and the onset of diseases in humans. Increasing specific beneficial bacteria or eliminating specific pathogenic bacteria may lead to the realization of new medical treatments.

Objectives

Our research group will use various approaches to narrow down the microorganisms involved in the life phenomena of interest. We will then analyze the genes and metabolites of the bacterial cocktails to identify the mechanisms that alter the physiological functions of the human host. Based on the research findings, the group will conduct research on the practical application of the microbiome for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and the promotion of health.