Professor Yuji Naito, from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, will talk about how exceptional human longevity emerges from the dynamic interplay between the gut microbiota, brain function, and systemic resilience, drawing on unique insights from Kyotango, Japan, one of the world’s most intensively studied regions for healthy aging.

Kyotango is internationally recognized for its unusually high proportion of centenarians. Research conducted in this population has revealed distinctive lifestyle patterns, dietary habits, and biological signatures that together support extended healthspan. At the center of these findings lies the microbiota gut brain axis, a critical integrative system connecting metabolism, immunity, inflammation, and cognitive health.

During his talk, Yuji Naito will present findings from microbiome, metabolomic, and clinical studies demonstrating how specific microbial profiles and metabolites are associated with preserved brain function, reduced neuroinflammation, and sustained physiological adaptability in advanced age.

Framed within a systems biology approach, this presentation aligns closely with the mission of Targeting Longevity: moving beyond isolated aging mechanisms toward interconnected biological pathways capable of informing future preventive and therapeutic strategies. Insights from Kyotango provide a powerful real world model for translating microbiota science into actionable longevity research.

Targeting Longevity 2026
April 8-9, 2026
 – Berlin, Germany

www.targeting-longevity.com