Gut microbiota has been gaining attention in recent years from a health maintenance perspective. However, because the composition (types and ratios) of gut bacteria varies greatly among individuals, dietary approaches also differ. As a result, indicators that show the desired state of gut microbiota for each person and concrete action guidelines have not yet been sufficiently developed.

The commonly used 16S rRNA gene analysis*3 has helped grasp broad bacterial classifications but has provided limited information compared with shotgun metagenomic analysis. Furthermore, academically established methods for test items or food recommendations based on gut microbiota data specifically for Japanese individuals still do not exist.

Against this backdrop, expectations have been increasing for more accurate gut microbiota testing and for testing items and personalized food recommendations based on such data.

*3 16S rRNA gene analysis is a method that mainly enables analysis up to the genus level within the bacterial taxonomic hierarchy.

Scope of the Joint Research  

In the MicroBio Me business operated by Cowellnex, the company has accumulated highly precise data over approximately three years using shotgun metagenomic analysis, one of the most detailed gut microbiota tests available in Japan. Leveraging these data, Cowellnex has created new test parameters that take into account the characteristics of the gut environment of Japanese people, and has been developing an algorithm (mechanism) that proposes foods based on those parameters.

In this joint research, Cowellnex has been responsible for providing data, formulating hypotheses for test parameters and food recommendations, and conducting acceptability verification. Metagen has been responsible for conducting metabolic pathway analysis*4 based on its expertise in gut environment research and bioinformatics, as well as for developing the algorithm (mechanism) for food recommendations. Through this joint research, it has become possible not only to identify which gut bacteria are present but also to predict the overall capability of the gut environment—including interactions among gut bacteria—to produce beneficial metabolites.

*4 A series of consecutive chemical reactions along metabolic pathways carried out by gut bacteria. Through these processes, dietary fiber is broken down and various metabolites are produced.

Future Prospects  

Cowellnex plans to commercialize the results of this joint research as new testing services and launch them in the market. Even after the research concludes, Cowellnex will continue accumulating data and studying ways to utilize them, contributing to improving testing accuracy and developing ingredients that help regulate gut microbiota.
By leveraging its strength in high-precision data obtained through shotgun metagenomic analysis, Cowellnex aims to accelerate innovation in the gut microbiota domain and create a market for personalized gut health solutions based on gut microbiota composition.