Our group is dedicated to metagenomics researches driven by bioinformatics, and specialized in the algorithm development for metagenomics and the interaction analysis between microbiota and host/environment. In addition, we are striving for the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and specialized in the studies on the multiple target mechanisms of TCM and optimization of TCM formula. The ongoing projects are:
1. The development of metagenomics methods (Algorithm group)
(1) Causal analysis and the identification of “Keystone species”
We are developing the methods for reconstructing the interactions among species based on causal analysis. These methods allows the identification of keystone species that play important roles in dysbiosis.
(2) Algorithms of phylogenetic reconstruction
We are optimizing the evolutionary models of amino acid sites, for improving the accuracy of phylogenetic reconstruction.
2. Pathological research and drug development of critical diseases (including fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and intestinal cancer) (Pathological microbiome group)
(1) Uncover the pathogenesis of critical diseases (fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and intestinal cancer)
We are performing systematical analysis on the host, the microbes and their interactions, to identify targets for drug development.
(2) Develop therapeutic drugs based on metabolites from deep sea organisms and Traditional Chinese Medicine
We are comprehensively applying virtual screening, organic synthesis and pharmacological testing, to develop therapeutic/preventive drugs or health products for critical diseases (including fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and intestinal cancer).
3. Archaea and the origin of eukaryotic cellular function (Environmental microbiome group)
(1) Evolutionary pathway of eukaryotic cellular functions
We are integrating phylogenetic and metabolic analysis to reconstruct the evolution of complex eukaryotic cellular functions.
(2) Identification and classification of novel archaeal species
We are establishing a standardized classification method for archaeal species, and are identifying novel archaeal species with our classification method.
4. Study on the multiple target mechanisms of TCM and optimization of TCM formula (Traditional Chinese Medicine modernization group)
(1) Quantitative analysis on the multiple targets and multiple mechanisms of TCM formula
We are developing algorithms for pathway modularization, for the standardized research on multiple targets and multiple mechanisms of TCM.
(2) Study on active components of TCM formula
We are developing methods for quantitative pathway analysis, and with this new method, performing comparative mechanism studies between TCM and their active components, to achieve the goal of TCM formula optimization.
