Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine

Innovative Microbiome Therapy Research Center
(Gut-Link Lab)

About Us

Innovative Microbiome Therapy Research Center(Gut-Link Lab) is a research center established to advance research and clinical applications of gut microbiota therapy (particularly fecal microbiota transplantation: FMT), which is gaining attention as a therapeutic intervention in modern medicine where it has become clear that gut dysbiosis is deeply involved in the onset and treatment response of various diseases.

We conduct cross-disciplinary clinical research beyond the boundaries of medical specialties, including the development of treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, as well as applications in cancer immunotherapy and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we aim to establish the foundational framework for novel drug development utilizing the gut microbiota (microbiome-based drug discovery) by integrating interdisciplinary research in fields such as metabolism, immunology, and informatics.

Based at Juntendo University, we collaborate with industry, academia, and government, and engage in international joint research to establish the scientific foundation for gut microbiota therapy and serve as a research hub that disseminates its findings to the world.

Message

Dai Ishikawa

Director

Thank you for visiting the website of Innovative Microbiome Therapy Research Center (Gut-Link Lab).

The human gut is home to over 100 trillion bacteria, and the diversity and balance of these microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining our health. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that disruptions in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) are associated not only with inflammatory bowel diseases but also with allergies, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer and neurological disorders. As a result, new therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiota are gaining global attention.

Since 2014, we have been conducting clinical research on FMT for ulcerative colitis, the first of its kind in Japan. We have been advancing research aimed at improving treatment efficacy, identifying specific bacterial strains, and expanding applications to other disease areas. To date, we have conducted multiple specific clinical studies, collaborative research programs with enterprises, and secured large-scale government grants, accumulating scientific and practical achievements.

At Gut-Link Lab, we aim to bridge the gap between clinical and research settings to realize personalized and preventive medicine through gut microbiota. We will continue to collaborate with domestic and international research institutions and companies to develop Japan-originated gut microbiota therapy that meets global standards.

We welcome inquiries from fellow researchers and clinicians interested in collaboration, and we sincerely appreciate your continued interest and support.