Our Research
We are harnessing the power of the gut-brain axis, with the goal of implementing new microbiome-based therapies for psychiatric disorders.
BIOBANK
Our biobank is the largest microbiome repository in North America. The Taylor Lab collects biological samples from participants to support current and future research on the gut-brain connection. These samples help us investigate how gut bacteria influence mental health disorders.
CLINICAL TRIALS
The Taylor Lab is currently conducting 3 clinical trials. Two of these study how targeting the gut microbiome can improve Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Each trial is designed to test innovative, science-backed interventions and help us better understand how the gut and brain interact.
OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES
The Taylor Lab is currently conducting 2 observational studies. These studies aim to uncover patterns in gut-brain communication and advance our understanding of how microbiome imbalances may be linked to mood and behavior.
ORBIT
The taylORed psychBIoTics biobank (ORBIT)
A Microbiome Biobank for Mental Health Research
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The Taylor Lab Biobank is investigating the two-way communication between gut bacteria and the brain. By collecting stool, urine, saliva, blood, and clinical data, the study aims to better understand how gut microbes may be linked to mental health.
The biobank is currently recruiting donors with confirmed diagnoses of depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, eating disorders, panic disorder, ADHD or PANS/PANDAS Syndrome.
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The study of the role of the gut microbiome and bacterial biomarkers may lead to a better understanding of these disorders and could revolutionize the treatment of mental illness with solutions made at the University of Calgary.
FOCUSED-FMT
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Clinical Trial
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This study is open-label trial in which participating adults from in and around Calgary, Alberta who have a diagnosis of OCD are assigned to receive either FMT capsules or placebo capsules. Clinical data and stool, urine, blood samples are collected to examine the changes in obsessive/compulsive symptoms, microbial profile of the gut, and inflammatory markers.
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The trial may lead to a better understanding and acceptability of alternative options that are more effective and tolerable for individuals with OCD.
FMT-TRD
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Clinical Trial
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This study is a randomized controlled trial in which participating adults from in and around Calgary, Alberta who have a diagnosis of Treatment Resistant Depression are assigned to receive either FMT capsules or placebo capsules. Clinical data and stool, urine, blood samples are collected to examine the changes in depressive symptoms, microbial profile of the gut, and inflammatory markers.
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This trial may lead to a better understanding and acceptability of alternative options that are more effective and tolerable for individuals with Major Depressive Disorder.
ENABLE
Enabling Neuroscience Research Approaches for Brain, FeeLings and Emotions (ENABLE)
Observational Study
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This study is a cross-sectional observational study. Participants who are experiencing mood disorder symptoms and would like to get involved in the latest clinical studies for depression research will have their standardized biomarker data (ex. genes, proteins, brain images) collected and then entered into the platform.
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The nationwide master research platform collects information from patients across the entire range of mood disorders and will help innovate treatments for depression. It will also connect clinicians with patients interested in participating in clinical trials for mood disorders.
OPTIMUM-D
Optimized Predictive Treatment In Medications for Unipolar Major Depression (OPTIMUM-D)
Clinical Trial
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This is a clinical trial in which participants who have received a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) will be randomly assigned to take either a single antidepressant or an antidepressant with an add-on medication. As part of the study, eligible participants will meet with a study psychiatrist, provide biological samples including blood and stool samples, complete clinical assessments, and EEG (electroencephalography). Participants will be enrolled in the study for 12 weeks.
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The OPTIMUM-D study seeks to discover whether a specific combination of biomarkers, discovered during previous studies, can help predict how someone experiencing a major depressive episode will respond to treatment. The study will also explore other possible biomarkers that may predict treatment response.
This trial may help discover ways to identify the right treatment for the right person to help individuals with depression get well quickly and stay well.
PERFORM-D
Predictors of Early Relapse during Follow-up Of Remitted Major Depression (PERFORM-D)
Observational Study
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This study follows individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who are currently doing well to better understand the causes and predictors of relapse.
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A major challenge faced by people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is that periods of depression tend to keep coming back, even after they have been successfully treated. This study is to help us understand how and why these relapses happen.