Keio University Human BiologyMicrobiome-Quantum
Research Center (Bio2Q)

Finally, do you have a message for young people who
may be reading this?
Whether you are getting involved in research or not,I hope you will consider how to change the system ofscience. As we've seen with the COVID-19 vaccine,science is incredibly important, and it can be both funand exciting. However, in Japan, researchers often
have many other responsibilities, and this has led to adecline in basic research. There are issues with thestructure of society and its perception of science.
I aspire for young individuals in Japan to recognize
the significance of societal support for science, akinto their American counterparts who already grasp
this concept. I urge you to contemplate ways toreform our societal approach to science, explore
potential solutions, and actively contribute to its
betterment.

I hope you understand thatscience is inherently somethingthat society should support.

What is Bio2Q?
Bio2Q is a world-class research center at Keio University. It aims
to use quantum computing and AI to analyze the interaction
between Human Biology and Microbiome, revealing uncharted
territories of the human body and developing new treatments for
intractable diseases.
It is the first private university to be selected for the World PremierInternational Research Center Initiative (WPI) program promotedby the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (MEXT).

Email: sc-wpi-staff@adst.keio.ac.jp
Web: www.bio2q.keio.ac.jp
Tel: 03-6709-8106 (Weekdays 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

Bio2Q Director / Microbiome TeamISSUE 02

Keio University Shinanomachi Campus
35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
160-8582, Japan

ProfessorKenya Honda

NOV. 2023

Bio2Q

Bio2Q Researchers

Professor Honda serves as thehead of Bio2Q and also leads hisown research laboratory.

Human Genes

27,000Intestinal Bacteria Genes

1,000,000

First, please tell us about the research conducted inyour laboratory.
Our laboratory primarily investigates gut bacteria, a complex
ecosystem within the human abdomen comprising around one
thousand different bacterial species. For instance, E. coli alone
possesses approximately 5,000 genes, while the human genome
contains roughly 27,000 genes. Intriguingly, these nearly invisible
E. coli bacteria in our intestines carry about one-fifth of the genes
found in humans, totaling nearly one million genes when
accounting for all gut bacteria.
Considering genes as functional units, this implies that entities
within our stomachs possess functions dosens of times moreabundant than those in humans, upon which we depend.
Hunter-gatherer societies exhibit even greater gut bacteria
diversity, diminishing as communities transition to agriculture andurban living. Consequently, diseases like allergies, inflammatory
bowel diseases, and colorectal cancer, previously uncommon,
become more prevalent due to reduced bacterial gene richness,potentially leading to functional insufficiencies.
Human complexity mirrors the intricacy of gut bacteria, and theirsynergy performs intricate functions. Our research is dedicated tounraveling this complexity, understanding its role in maintaining
good health, deciphering the mechanisms of these functions, andidentifying disease triggers. This forms the core of our research
focus.

Intestinal bacteria support humanhealth and collectively haveseveral orders of magnitude moregenes than the human genome.
What kind of research are you actually conducting?
Microbiome

EnzymeSubstance A

Substance B(metabolite)

The Keio University School of Medicine's Center for
Supercentenarian Medical Research explores the longevity ofcentenarians, focusing on the role of gut bacteria in theirextended lifespan. We analyze stool samples from thesecentenarians to uncover the secrets of their health andinvestigate stool samples from patients with various diseases tofind new treatment approaches.
Our primary interest lies in metabolites, produced by humangenes and gut bacteria via enzymes, transforming substances in
the gut. With nearly one million genes in action, a multitude ofmetabolites are generated. Among them, human gut bacteria
produce about 200,000 detectable metabolites, with over 99%
remaining poorly understood. Despite our limited understanding,
we depend on these substances for well-being, and their absence
can lead to illness. Our research centers on uncovering thesemetabolites individually, forming a core aspect of our work.

Are you examining each metabolite one by one?
We have been examining each metabolite one by one so far, but
we are now collaborating with researchers in the field of quantum
computing in the Faculty of Science and Technology to find out if
we can understand them faster. Quantum computers are excellent
at handling complex tasks. Traditional computers calculate eachpattern one by one, but quantum computers can do it all at oncein a single calculation. We are currently working on developing
methodologies for analyzing metabolites rapidly using quantum
computers.

Where does Professor Honda's laboratory fit within
the framework of Bio2Q?
It is one of the central research units. Bio2Q delves into themicrobiome's vital health role, addressing its mysteries via
interdisciplinary collaboration. Notably, Professor Toshiro Sato, an
organoid expert, aids our exploration by using bacterial
substances to stimulate human cell-cultured organoid-likestructures.
Additionally, we work with Professor Michisuke Yuzaki, aneurophysiology specialist, to investigate the gut-brain
connection, crucial in stress-related stomach discomfort andinflammation-induced irritability. Neurological diseases can affect
the gut, and vice versa, potentially impacting conditions like
Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Professors Sato and Yuzaki, adept intheir respective fields, enhance our interdisciplinary Bio2Q
endeavors.

Could you tell us about the concept of Bio2Q?
At Keio University, top scientists from various fields are currently
gathering. The framework for Bio2Q seemed to naturally evolvefrom this environment. In a human body that is about 170 cm tall,
an immense number of functions are packed. To make thispossible, many different elements must be intricately intertwined.
Complex interactions between organs and the microbiome arenecessary for complex functions and the maintenance of health.
To understand this complexity, Bio2Q brings together researchers
from various fields. I am responsible for studying gut bacteria,
while there are others who focus on the nervous system, the liver,or the intestines. By conducting joint research and sharing ourexpertise, we may be able to solve problems that we couldn't if wewere working separately.
Furthermore, we emphasize increasing the internationalization of
our research. We aim to collaborate with top researchers fromaround the world and create a globally recognized researchfacility for the study of humans and gut bacteria.

*Microbiome - A collection of a vast number of bacteria living within the body.