A Researcher from the Keio University Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q) participated in this seminar.

“Tackling Diseases with Microbiome Genomics!”

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 16:00–18:00
Venue: Keio University Shiba-Kyoritsu Campus Medium Auditorium, Basement 1F, Building No. 1

Part 1: “Spatiotemporal Quantification of the Gut Microbial Ecosystem”

Lena Takayasu, PhD
Cornell University, USA
Research Associate
People – De Vlaminck Lab
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering | Home

The gut microbiome ecosystem is constantly reorganizing through proliferation, migration, and interactions.
In this presentation, we introduced a cutting-edge approach that quantifies the temporal and spatial structure of the gut microbiota with μm resolution, utilizing an automated continuous stool collection device operating on minute-to-hour scales and spatial RNA sequencing technology capable of simultaneously detecting host- and microbe-derived RNA at micrometer resolution.

Part 2: “Visualizing the Temporal Dynamics of Genetic Risk for Disease”

Shohei Kojima, PhD
Keio University WPI-Bio2Q, Jr. PI
Project Associate Professor, Keio University Bio2Q / Genetics, Virology, Bioinformatics

Human phenotypes are determined by both genetic and environmental factors. While cohort studies have begun to elucidate genetic risks for disease, in many cases it remains unclear under what environmental conditions and at what time these risks manifest. In this seminar, we presented the temporal dynamics of genetic risk for disease within the context of immune responses, building on the speaker’s previous research.