Vol. 8, September 2014

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Contents
News 
•	U niversity-level agreement with Universiti Putra Malaysia concluded•	B IOtech Japan 2014: Okayama University presents its latest research achievements at

the Asia’s largest bio event•	I nternational Dental Center opens in Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy,

Vietnam•	A ssistant Prof. Miho Nishimura Spoke of Her Aspiration as Female Researcher at TEDxTokyo 2014
•	P rof. Kano Elected as Executive Committee Member of Global Young Academy

Feature 
Ad-REIC vaccine: A magic bullet for cancer treatment

Research Highlights • Anti-aging properties of drinking hydrogen-rich water on periodontal tissues•	S houlder and Elbow Surgery•	N ew Topical Hemostatic Agent: Neutral Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel•	N ext-Generation Sequencer applications: Innovation to turn ‘junk DNAs’ into genetic

markers

Intellectual Property and Enterprise 
Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal prosthesis

Topics 
Letters from alumni
		 Ir. Dr. Ahmad ‘Athif Mohd Faudzi
Okayama Travelogue		The Ikeda Family Collection at Okayama University
Club Activities
		Go Club at Okayama University

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Vol. 8, September 2014

News

University-level agreement with Universiti Putra Malaysia concluded
Okayama University concluded a university-levelagreement with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on
18 April 2014.
S e v e n p e o p l e f r o m U P M i n c l u d i n g t h e Vi c e
Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohd Fauzi Hj. Ramlan,
and ten people from Okayama University including
Vice-President, Dr. Masaru Araki (Executive Directorof Social Responsibility and International Affairs)
and Dr. Hiroshi Kanzaki (Dean of Graduate School ofEnvironmental and Life Science) attended the signingceremony.

Participants at the signing ceremony

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohd Fauzi Hj.
Ramlan, and Vice-President, Dr. Masaru Araki,
signed the agreement.
In his speech Vice-President Araki said: “We would
like to promote greater interactions in all fields aswell as the agriculture field which we cultivated foryears.” Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohd Fauzi
Hj. Ramlan, said: “We would like to deepen thecurrent cooperative relationship and look forward todeveloping interactions in new fields through thisagreement.”

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohd Fauzi Hj. Ramla (left) and
Vice-President Dr. Masaru Araki sign the agreement.

UPM and Okayama University have nurtured
exchanges through the project of the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for
five years from 1990, and Faculty of Agriculture
concluded a faculty-level agreement in 2000. This
time the faculty-level agreement was upgraded to theuniversity-level agreement for greater interaction.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

News

BIOtech Japan 2014: Okayama University presents its latest
research achievements at the Asia’s largest bio event
Okayama University participated in Asia’s largest
bio event—the 13th International Bio Technology
Exhibition & Conference (BIOtech Japan 2014),
Tokyo Big Sight,14-16 May 2014. The Okayama
University delegates presented and exhibited thelatest research achievements in cancer, immunology,
vaccines, medicine, diagnostic products, medical
treatments, diagnostic devices, and innovative drug
development.
The exhibition included achievements of sevenresearchers including Assistant Professor Yasuhiro
Miyake (Okayama University Hospital), Professors
Masahiro Nishibori and Heiichiro Udono (Graduate
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical
Sciences,both).

Assistant Professor Miyake giving his talk.

Professor Udono discovered that Metformin, used forthe treatment of type II diabetes, has effects to revert
exhausted T-cells within tumor tissue, and gives riseto anti-cancer effect.
At the business partnering event, Okayama University
researchers exchanged views with visitors frompharmaceutical related organizations about joint
research.

Professor Nishibori (left) describing his research

The Organization for Research Promotion &Collaboration of Okayama University will continue
to actively support the participation of its members
in exhibitions in order to promote and spread the
University’s research achievements and transfer
technology.
Professor Udono giving a talk.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

NewsInternational Dental Center opens in Hai Phong University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam
Okayama University Dental School and Hai Phong
University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Hai Phong,Vietnam) opened the International Dental Centerin Hai Phong University Hospital, with the opening
ceremony held on May 30.
The center was established to play not only the roleof providing an advanced dental care center for
the increasing number of Japanese people living in
the northern part of Vietnam due to the increase inJapanese companies setting up here, but also as anorganization to lead the education and research forstudents and dentists at Hai Phong University of
Medicine and Pharmacy and other institutes.
Approximately a hundred people, including the first
secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, Yoko
Tsuruya; Counsellor and Medical Attache Teiko
Nakai; Dean of Okayama University Dental School,
Takuo Kuboki; Research Scholar, Ryu Nakajima;
Rector of Hai Phong University of Medical andPharmacy, Pham Van Thuc; and the Dean of Schoolof Odonto-Stomatology, Pham Van Lieu, attended the
ribbon cutting opening ceremony.

Dean Kuboki of the Okayama University Dental School

Staff of the Center

The center will be recognized as an international
dental care center in northern Vietnam not only forJapanese living in Vietnam but also for people who
desire high quality dental care.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Japanese dentistry equipment manufacturers
supported the opening of the center in many ways,
and it is expected to be a good model for industry,
academia, and government cooperation to export hightech Japanese medical services.

A clinic at the center

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Vol. 8, September 2014

News

Assistant Prof. Miho Nishimura Spoke of Her Aspiration as Female
Researcher at TEDx Tokyo 2014
At “TEDx Tokyo 2014,”* an international event whereleading experts of diverse technology, entertainment,
and design fields present a broad range of creativeideas which was held at Shibuya Hikarie in Tokyo on
May 31, Assistant Prof. Miho Nishimura, Departmentof Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University
Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology(Science) Bioscience made a presentation.
Speaking of her current research into the mechanismof plant photosynthesis, Assistant Prof. Nishimura
explained how plants sustain life under harshenvironmental stress through photosynthesis as well
as how she collaborates with researchers around theworld to elucidate the photosynthetic mechanism.
Assistant Prof. Nishimura recalled why she entered
the world of science although she was not interested
in science when she was young saying, “I didn’t knowwhat I wanted to do in the future. So I decided totry what I don’t like.” “I am fascinated by science
now. So if you don’t like something and you’ve nevertried it, please jump into it. There must be a chanceand discovery you’ve never seen. Trying to do achallenging thing is a key to the future,” she added.

Assistant Prof. Nishimura speaking of her aspiration and howinteresting science can be(c)TEDx Tokyo 2014. Photo by michaelholmesphoto.com

Audience attentively listening to the presentation(c)TEDx Tokyo 2014. Photo by michaelholmesphoto.com

In 2009, Okayama University established the“Woman Tenure Track (WTT)” Program to secure anddevelop talented young researchers and to increase
the number of female professors, which offers female
researchers fixed-term employment as well as anopportunity of permanent employment based on
their research achievement during the tenure-track

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Vol. 8, September 2014

period (i.e. probationary period). Being selected for the “Program to Disseminate and Secure theTenure Track System” by the the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology andreceived the Grant-in-Aid for Science and Technology Human Resources Development, the university
has been making proactive efforts to further develop and improve the program. Meanwhile, AssistantProf. Nishimura who appeared in TEDx Tokyo 2014 was recruited as a first generation WTT assistantprofessor in April 2010 and received a permanent position in April 2013 due to her excellent researchachievement. Her appearance in TEDx Tokyo 2014 not only reflects high recognition of our efforts todevelop female human resources, but also motivates female students who aspire to pursue research
career.
* TEDx Tokyo
Started in 1984 in the US, TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a conference where leading
experts of various fields appear and make presentation. Under the slogan of “Ideas Worth Spreading,”
a wealth of creative ideas are introduced to the world. Marking its 6th year, TEDx Tokyo 2014 featured
a theme of “Connecting the Unconnected.”
TEDx Tokyo 2014:http://www.tedxtokyo.com/en/ http://www.tedxtokyo.com/#about(Japanese)
Spinach and photosynthesis: Miho Nishimura at TEDxTokyo 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eep9KeVd5ds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUAWtc8scYg(Japanese)

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Vol. 8, September 2014

News

Prof. Kano Elected as Executive Committee Member of Global
Young Academy
At the Fourth International Conference for Young
Scientists & Annual General Meeting of the Global
Young Academy (GYA)*, an international academy ofyoung scientists which aims to contribute to society
through science and technology, held in Santiago
de Chile, Chile, from 21 to 25 May 2014, Prof.
Mitsunobu Kano, Department of Clinical Evaluation
and Development of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine,
Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,
Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, was elected
as a member of the Executive Committee (EC).
Prof. Kano, who is also the Vice Chairman of theYoung Academy Committee, Science Council of Japan(SCJ), run for the EC. In his speech as a candidate,
Prof. Kano emphasized the importance of new value
creation through collaboration across borders,
cultures, and academic fields, thereby contributing
to society. Prof. Kano won the highest confidence of
70% among 18 candidates and Notably, Prof. Kano is
the only Japanese member. Last year there was only
one EC member from Asia. Consequently the GYA EC
is composed of 9 members from 8 nationalities: US,
UK, Egypt, Netherlands, Kenya, Turkey, Japan and
Bangladesh. It is anticipated that cultural backgroundof East Asia will be better understood and taken into
account in order to lay foundation for a system inwhich each region can make equal contribution.
“I wish to create new values in collaboration with
the GYA and its splendid members and ultimately
to contribute to the global society. Through thisexperience, I would also be more than happy if

Prof. Kano speaking of new value creation and contribution tosocietyProf. Kano elected as a member of the Executive Committee(fourth right)(c) the GYA/Florian Wiencek

Participants of the GYA General Meeting(c) the GYA/Florian Wiencek

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Vol. 8, September 2014

I could contribute to the values of a variety of initiatives underway to promote Japan’s advanced
science and technology to the world and to make use of its capability, such as initiatives to strengthen
research capabilities of universities including the program for promoting the enhancement of research
universities by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology,” said Prof. Kano.
* Global Young Academy (GYA)
Founded in 2010, the Global Young Academy (GYA) is an international academy of young scientists
which aims to contribute to society through science and technology. The GYA is the only international
academy of its kind which has close relations with the Inter Academy Panel (IAP), a global networkof science academies around the world. In 2014, members of the GYA were invited to speak at theOpening Ceremony of the Scientific Advisory Board created by the United Nations Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Feature

Ad-REIC vaccine: A magic bullet for cancer treatment
Hiromi Kumon
Director, Innovation Center Okayama for
Nanobio-targeted Therapy (ICONT) Okayama
University Graduate School (Department ofUrology)
Direct targeting and induction of
immunological attacks on cancer cells are
two widely used approaches for the treatmento f c a n c e r. B u t P r o f e s s o r H i r o m i K u m o n
and colleagues at Okayama University
have developed a third and potentiallymore effective approach based on Reduced
Expression in Immortalized Cells (REIC)—atumor suppressor gene discovered at Okayama
U n i v e r s i t y. “ I n 2 0 0 5 r e s e a r c h e r s a t t h e
Okayama University Medical School forced its
expression using adenoviral vector (Ad-REIC)
and discovered it caused selective death(apoptosis) of prostate cancer cells without
damaging normal cells,” explains Kumon. “Ourapproach is a combination of targeting andimmunology for the treatment of cancer. Somepeople have referred to this as a ‘magic bullet’.
We are working with international partners todevelop an Ad-REIC/DKK3 vaccine to treat
various intractable solid tumors.”

Professor Hiromi Kumon, Director, Innovation Center Okayama for
Nanobio-targeted Therapy (ICONT), Okayama University Graduate School(Department of Urology).

REIC/Dkk-3 Western Blot Analysis

The important aspect of cancer treatment using Ad-REIC is that it is highly selective, and normal
cells are not affected, where the action of Ad-REIC occurs almost 100% in prostate cancer, ~90% in
malignant mesothelioma, and also high rates in other cases including kidney cancer. “Our experiments
show REIC will be applicable to a wide range of cancer treatment, ”says Kumon. “The Ad-REIC
is a cancer therapeutic gene that acts via the activation of JNK-c-jun pathway due to endoplasmic
reticulum (ER) stress.” [1-3]1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan© Okayama University

Vol. 8, September 2014

Kumon and colleagues are currently
collaborating with international teams ofresearchers and clinicians on Phase I/
II clinical studies for prostate cancer andmalignant mesothelioma using Ad-REIC.
These ‘proof of concept’ studies are being
carried out in the USA and Japan to lay
the foundations for innovative medicine
for cancer, with the ultimate of aim ofcollaborate with pharmaceutical companies
to produce cancer vaccines.
In Japan, Momotaro-Gene Inc—an
Okayama University venture company— A "Magic Bullet" for Cancer Gene Therapy
and Okayama University own theintellectual property for this treatment.
Furthermore, in July 2014 Professor Kumon was selected by the Japan Science and Technology
Agency (JST) as a recipient of the competitive and prestigious “NexTEP” program. This funding will
be used to work with industrial partners to develop Ad-REIC cancer vaccine.

Reference and further information[1] F. Abarzua et al, “Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of REIC/Dkk-3 selectively induces apoptosis in humanprostate cancer cells through activation of c-Jun-NH2-kinase”, Cancer Res 65:9617-9622, (2005).
[2] Yuji Kashiwakura etal, “Down-regulation of Inhibition of Differentiation-1 via Activation of Activating
Transcription Factor 3 and Smad Regulates REIC/Dickkopf-3–Induced Apoptosis”, Cancer Res 68:8333-8341, (2008).
[3] M. Sakaguchi etal, “Overexpression of REIC/Dkk-3 in normal fibroblasts suppresses tumor growth via inductionof interleukin-7”, J Biol Chem 284, 14236-14244, (2009).
[4] 2008 Momotaro-Gene Inc. website: http://www.mt-gene.com/index_e.html[5] Japan Science and Technology Agency: http://www.jst.go.jp/EN/index.html

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Research Highlights

Anti-aging properties of drinking hydrogen-rich water on
periodontal tissues
Oxidative stress is involved in age-related
inflammatory reactions. Molecular hydrogen isconsidered to be a novel antioxidant that can reduce
oxidative stress. Therefore, drinking hydrogen-richwater may suppress age-related oxidative stress andinflammatory reactions in the periodontal tissues.
However, it remains unclear what the effects drinking
hydrogen-rich water would be over the course of alifetime.
Ta k a a k i To m o f u j i a n d c o l l e a g u e s a t O k a y a m a
University have shown the anti-aging effects ofdrinking hydrogen-rich water on periodontal tissues.
Four-month-old male Fischer 344 rats (n=12) weredivided into two groups: the experimental group(hydrogen-rich water intake) and the control group(distilled water intake). The rats consumed hydrogenrich water or distilled water until they reached 16
months in age.

The 3D image model of the mandibular regions in rats (A). In themesial root regions, the level of alveolar bone loss (white arrows)
was greater in the control group (B) than in the experimentalgroup (C). In the distal root regions (red arrows), the level ofalveolar bone loss in the control group (D) was similar with thatin the experimental group (E).

At 16 months, the periodontal levels of oxidative stress were higher in the control group comparedwith the baseline level (p< 0.05), and lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). The values of the linear distance between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar bone crest
were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group at the mesial root regions(p< 0.05). Although protein expression of interleukin-1β did not differ, gene expression of Nod-likereceptor protein 3 inflammasomes was activated in periodontal tissues from the experimental group ascompared with the control group.
These findings indicate that drinking hydrogen-rich water could suppress oxidative stress, but did notaffect inflammatory reactions in aging periodontal tissues.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Reference:•	Authors: Tomofuji T, Kawabata Y, Kasuyama K, Endo Y, Yoneda T, Yamane M, Azuma T, Ekuni D, and Morita M.
•	Title of original paper: Effects of hydrogen-rich water on aging periodontal tissues in rats.
•

Journal, volume, pages and year: Scientific Reports 4, 5534 (2014).

•	Journal website: http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/metadata/52810•	Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1038/srep05534•	Journal website: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/549-4918•	Affiliations: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry andPharmaceutical Sciences.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Research Highlights

Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Dr. Keiichiro Nishida, Associate Professor of Departmentof Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, has developed a new linked elbow prosthesis(PROSNAP ® ) in cooperation with Kyocera Medical(Osaka, Japan) which possesses a unique assembly
system, initially to be used for the relatively small bonystructure of Japanese patients.
PROSNAP ® has been in clinical use in Japan sinceNovember 2007, and the clinical results of total elbow
arthroplasty (TEA) for the reconstruction of problematic
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) elbow joints using the
PROSNAP® elbow prosthesis were recently published in
the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

Fig. 1 Appearance of PROSNAP® elbow prosthesis

TEA has become a reliable procedure for thereconstruction of damaged RA elbows. However, previous
reports have described a number of issues related
to linked elbow prosthesis, including intraoperative
fracture, prosthesis disassembly, or polyethylene wear
and late failure of the locking mechanism. In the
PROSNAP ® system, bone grafting between the anteriorflange and the humerus is deemed unnecessary by
selecting the proper size of the modular flange. The
shaft at the joint portion of the humeral component isfitted, with a snap-in system, into the UHMWPE sleeveof the ulnar component, allowing the assembly of eachcomponent after cement fixation.
In the current report, the short-term clinical results of
17 elbows in 14 RA patients replaced with a PROSNAP ®
elbow were evaluated with the mean follow-up period
47.7 months (range, 32-69 months). The preoperative

Fig. 2 Articulation of PROSNAP ® elbow prosthesis,
showing hand drum–shaped humeral shaft,
UHMWPE articulation and sleeve for snap-in fittingof ulnar component.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

conditions of the elbows were arthritis mutilans (n=10), an ankylosed or stiff elbow with a preoperative
range of motion of 45 degrees or less (n=4), and loosening of a primary total elbow arthroplasty (n=3).
The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index improved from 57.6 points preoperatively to 97.1points
postoperatively. Complications were noted in 1 elbow (6%) with postoperative fracture. The authors
concluded that the PROSNAP ® elbow prosthesis can be safely implanted through a relatively easy
procedure and provides satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes for the reconstruction of severely
damaged RA elbows.

Reference:•

Authors: Nishida K, Hashizume K, Nakahara R, Ozawa M, Harada R, Machida T, Nasu Y, Ozaki T, Inoue H.

•	Title of original paper: Short-term results of the PROSNAP® linked elbow prosthesis with a snap-in structure

and modular flange for the reconstruction of severely damaged rheumatoid elbows•

Journal, volume, pages and year: J Shoulder Elbow Surg ; 23(6):837-42, 2014.

•

Journal website: http://www.jshoulderelbow.org/article/S1058-2746(14)00010-X/abstract•

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.12.031.

•

Journal website: http://www.jshoulderelbow.org•	Affiliations: Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry andPharmaceutical Sciences.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Research Highlights

New Topical Hemostatic Agent: Neutral Self-Assembling Peptide
HydrogelSelf-assembling peptide is characterized by a stableβ-sheet structure and known to undergo self-assembly
into nanofibers that could further form a hydrogel.
Self-assembling peptide hydrogels have already been
employed for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems,
and wound healing. In addition, self-assembling peptidehydrogels are effective as topical hemostatic agents.
However, their low pH raises the possibility of harmful
effects on living tissues.
N o w, S e i j i K o m a t s u a n d c o l l e a g u e s a t O k a y a m a
University have demonstrated the efficacy of SPG-178
hydrogel, a neutral self-assembling peptide hydrogel as
a topical hemostatic agent.
First, they measured the bleeding duration of incisions
made on rat livers after application of SPG-178 (1.0%w/v), SPG-178 (1.5% w/v), RADA16 (1.0% w/v), andsaline. Second, they observed the bleeding surfacesby transmission electron microscopy immediately afterhemostasis. Third, they measured the elastic and viscous
responses (G′ and G′′, respectively) of the hydrogels
using a rheometer.
Their results showed that the duration of bleeding was
significantly shorter in the SPG-178 group than in
the RADA16 group and that there were no significant
differences in transmission electron microscopy findings
between the groups. The greater the G′ value of ahydrogel, the shorter was the bleeding duration.

S P G - 1 7 8 h y d ro g e l . S P G - 1 7 8 i s a s y n t h e t i c p e p t i d e
w i t h a n e u t r a l p H r a n g e . T h e p r i m a r y s t r u c t u re i s
RLDLRLALRLDLR; R = arginine, L = leucine, D = aspartic
acid, and A = alanine.

Hemostasis in a rat liver laceration model. Incision
was made on the left hepatic lobe. Bleeding decreased
immediately following application of the 1.5% (w/v) SPG-178
hydrogel to the bleeding surface. Because SPG-178 hydrogelis transparent, the bleeding surface was visible.

SPG-178 hydrogel is effective and has several advantages over other hydrogels: it is non-biological,
transparent, non-adherent and neutral, and can be sterilized by autoclaving. The researchers are
confident that SPG-178 hydrogel is applicable in many surgical procedures.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Reference:•	A uthors: Seiji Komatsu, Yusuke Nagai, Keiji Naruse, Yoshihiro Kimata.
•	T itle of original paper: The Neutral Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel SPG-178 as a Topical Hemostatic Agent.
•	J ournal, volume, pages and year: PLOS ONE 9, e102778 (2014).
•	J ournal website: http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/metadata/52799• Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1371/journal.pone.0102778• Journal website: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102778.
• Affiliations:

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University.
Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Okayama University.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital.
Menicon Co., Ltd.,• Department website: http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/keisei/

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Research Highlights

Next-Generation Sequencer applications: Innovation to turn ‘junkDNAs’ into genetic markers
A series of the Next-Generation Sequencer(NGS) applications are being developed toutilize ‘junk DNAs’ as distinctive genetic
analysis systems for crop species.
Many nucleic DNAs do not have any
known biological functions. Such DNAs
are referred to as ‘junk DNAs’. Having
accumulated genomic copies throughout
evolution, retrotransposons constitute amajor portion of junk DNAs. Although mostcopies have lost copy-making ability, small
groups of the retrotransposons still remaincompetent. The copies of an active group High-throughput sequencing of retrotransposon insertion sites and its applications.
are inserted at markedly different genomic
positions, even among closely related varieties of the crop species.
Identification of the active groups is, however, challenging as they are concealed by numerous nonactive groups. Additionally, DNA sequences of the numerous positions where active groups areinserted must be efficiently determined for genetic population under study.
Yuki Monden and colleagues at Okayama University, National Institute of Genetics, and Tochigi andFukuoka Prefectural Agricultural Research Stations have prepared the NGS (HiSeq2000) sequencelibrary of strawberry, which exclusively contains terminal sequences of a major retrotransposon type
(LTR: Long Terminal Repeat), and have successfully identified the active groups using novel NGS
sequence analysis.
In another study, the insertion site library for two active groups was constructed over 38 sweet potato
varieties. The NGS analysis determined 2024 inserted positions, of which 91.4% occurred in a single
variety or varieties of different combination.
The series of NGS applications on active retrotransposons provide efficient genetic analysis systems,
especially for variety fingerprinting, linkage map construction, and lineage analysis of the crop
species [1,2].

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Reference1:•	Authors: Yuki Monden, Nobuyuki Fujii, Kentaro Yamaguchi, Kazuho Ikeo, Yoshiko Nakazawa, Takamitsu Waki,

Keita Hirashima, Yosuke Uchimura, Makoto Tahara.
•	Title of original paper: Efficient screening of long terminal repeat retrotransposons that show high insertion

polymorphism via high-throughput sequencing of the primer binding site.
•	Journal, volume, pages and year: Genome , (2014).
•	Journal website: http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/metadata/52815•	Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1139/gen-2014-0031•	Journal website: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/gen-2014-0031#.U96WD-OKVJl•	Affiliations: Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University.
•	Department website: http://www.gels.okayama-u.ac.jp/index_e.html

Reference2:•	Authors: Yuki Monden, Ayaka Yamamoto, Akiko Shindo, and Makoto Tahara.
•	Title of original paper: Efficient DNA Fingerprinting Based on the Targeted Sequencing of Active Retrotransposon

Insertion Sites Using a Bench-Top High-Throughput Sequencing Platform.
•	Journal, volume, pages and year: DNA Research, (2014).
•	Journal website: http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/metadata/52816•	Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1093/dnares/dsu015•	Journal website: http://dnaresearch.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/06/13/dnares.dsu015

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Intellectual Property and Enterprise

Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal
prosthesis
Eye doctor Dr. Toshihiko Matsuo and polymer scienceengineer Dr. Tetsuya Uchida have been developing
a new type of retinal prosthesis that is based on a
photoelectric dye. The photoelectric dye is an organic
molecule that absorbs light and converts light energy
into electric potentials. The dye molecules arecoupled to the surface of a film made of polyethylene.
The polyethylene film (or polymer) is a biologicallysafe and stable material which is used, for example,
as a component of artificial joints. The photoelectric
dye-coupled polyethylene film, called Okayama
University-type retinal prosthesis or OUReP™, canbe implanted beneath the retina as a substitute forphotoreceptor cells.
The photoreceptor cells in the retina absorb lightand generate membrane potential changes as an
initial process in sight. Patients with a hereditarydisease called retinitis pigmentosa, gradually lose
the photoreceptor cells in their lifetime and become
totally blind. These vision-impaired patients are
known to maintain other retinal neurons that connect
to the brain. Thus, the implantation of something
artificial called retinal prosthesis to replace the lost
photoreceptor cells, would lead to the recovery ofvision in blind patients.
A prevailing type of retinal prosthesis is the socalled “camera-image-capture and electrode-array
output system”. The image is captured by a digital
video camera attached to glasses, and converted toelectric signals. These signals are transmitted to areceiver implanted in the body, and finally, electric
currents are outputted from an electrode array that isFigure 1. Photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film (OUReP™):
a novel type of retinal prosthesis.

Figure 2. Manufacturing process of photoelectric dye-coupled
polyethylene film (OUReP™): a novel type of retinal prosthesis.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

implanted around the degenerated retina. In 2013,
Argus II™ Retinal Prosthesis System, by Second
Sight, Inc., which uses this camera-capture andelectrode-array system, was approved by the US
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis—
OUReP™—would provide the following advantages
over the Argus II™ Retinal Prosthesis System. Firstof all, OUReP™ does not require a camera or dataprocessing system, or wiring to the retina. A single
sheet of OUReP™ would be implanted into thesubretinal space by currently-used standard vitreous
surgery, just as to treat retinal detachment. A large
size of the thin film, up to 10 mm in diameter, could
be implanted in the eye, which would provide a widevisual field. Dye molecules in high density on thepolyethylene surface work as both an image (light)receiver and a neuron-stimulator, leading to highresolution of images. In contrast, the Argus II™
System with 60 electrodes provides low resolution ofimages.

Figure 3. Fast on-off response to light of electric potentials on thesurface of photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film (OUReP™): a
novel type of retinal prosthesis.

Figure 4. Schematic drawing of vitreous surgery to implant a sheet ofphotoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film (OUReP™) , a novel type of
retinal prosthesis, beneath the retina.

The biological safety of OUReP™ has been already proven by standardized tests, based on ISO 10993,“Biological evaluation of medical devices”. In addition, the photoelectric dye, used for OUReP™,
has no toxicity at all. Rats with retinitis pigmentosa, called RCS rats, had their vision restored bysubretinal implantation of OUReP™. Manufacturing and quality control has been established at
the laboratory of Polymer Materials Science in a Faculty-of-Engineering Building. Dr. Matsuo and
Dr. Uchida are now preparing a first-in-human clinical trial at Okayama University Hospital, in
consultation with Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA, counterpart of US FDA),
based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices) Act in Japan.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

1.Matsuo T, Dan-oh Y, Suga S (Inventors). Agent for inducing receptor potential. Assignee: Okayama
University. United States Patent. Patent No.: US 7,101,533 B2. Date of Patent: Sep. 5, 2006.
2.Matsuo T, Uchida T, Takarabe K. Safety, efficacy, and quality control of a photoelectric dye-based
retinal prosthesis (Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis) as a medical device. J Artif Organs
2009;12:213-225.
3.Alamusi, Matsuo T, Hosoya O, Tsutsui MK, Uchida T. Behavior tests and immunohistochemical
retinal response analyses in RCS rats with subretinal implantation of Okayama University-type retinal
prosthesis. J Artif Organs 2013;16 :343-351.
Contact: Mototaka Senda, Ph.D.,
US & EU Representative of Intellectual Property Office,Okayama University, 2450 Peralta Blvd. #119, Fremont,
CA 94536, USA
Email: takasenda@okayama-u.ac.jp

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Topics : Letters from alumni

Ir. Dr. Ahmad ‘Athif Mohd Faudzi
Senior Lecturer
Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAIRO)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
I studied for my doctorate at the System Integration
Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Koichi
Suzumori and Associate Prof Takefumi Kanda andreceived a Doctor of Engineering degree from Okayama
University in October 2010. Currently I am a SeniorLecturer at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAIRO)of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
One of my most memorial experiences of my stayin Japan is about the research culture. The regularmeetings, ‘zemi’ or ‘kenkyukai’; the ‘welcome andfarewell’ parties; get together programs between lab
members; and many other in-lab activities will always be
my sweet memories. I can feel the strong bonds between
the students and their respect for the supervisor. Throughthese meetings I learned a lot about discipline, attitude,
hard work, and team spirit. I also learnt a lot about thespirit of ‘monotsukuri’; or ‘making things’, which is the
specialty of the lab in developing new actuators andtheir applications. During my research I actively started
writing manuscripts and under the guidance of mysupervisor published three papers in journals and gave
12 talks at conferences. I also received the IRIS 2010
best presentation award and OMSA Excellent Award
2010.

Professor Koichi Suzumori

Dinner with members of the lab at Okayama University

After graduating I have continued to collaborate with mysupervisor. We are pursuing many joint activities suchas staff and student exchange and research. In 2011,2012, and 2013 I was invited as a Visiting Researcher
in Okayama University. To-date we have hosted two
students from Okayama University and I have sent two of
my students to Okayama University for research projects.
As an academician, my post-graduate experience in

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Japan has indeed improved my knowledge and skills inteaching and research. Also, I am using my experiencein Okayama University to develop my own Actuator andAutomation Lab. My experiences have been invaluable
for making decisions in managing my research projects
in general.
It was a privilege to have been a member of be part of
the System Integration Laboratory. It is my sincere hopethat we can continue to grow the strong bonds that exist
between the two universities and generate ever more
opportunities in other areas.

During my convocation day

My lab members: http://a2rg.my

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Topics : Okayama Travelogue

The Ikeda Family Collection at Okayama University
The Ikeda Family Collection is a unique set of manuscripts, pictures and books that were donated to
Okayama University when the modern structure of the University was established in 1949. The Collection
was owned by the Ikeda Family that governed the southeastern part of modern day Okayama Prefecture from1603-1867-the Edo period.
The 100,000 items of the Ikeda Family Collection arehoused at the Okayama University Central Library andoffer unique insights into life during the Edo period, forboth veteran scholars and students.
Further information
1. The Ikeda Family Collection at Okayama University:
http://www.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/collections/ikeda.html(In Japanese only)
2. Exhibition of the Ikeda Family Collection :“Okayama
Han and the Meiji Restoration”
Date: 1-16 November 2014 (except 10 November)
Place: 4th Floor, Okayama City Museum
Website:http://www.city.okayama.jp/okayama-citymuseum/english/e_index.html

List of Products from Territories in Bizen and Bitchū Provinces (1736)
An example of ‘list of parts’ or ‘sanbutsu-cho’ submitted to Tokugawa
Shogunate, which led to increased interest locally in the regions
nature, history, and customs.

Kōrakuen Garden (1863) Established by IKEDA Tsunamasa
in 1700 for his recreation. This picture depicts the Garden
in the late Edo period. It is notable the locations of the main
landmarks, such as ponds and tea houses are similar to thegarden now.

Chronicle of Nobunaga(Shinchō ki)
This is a 15 volume collection designated as an Important Cultural
Property.
A war tale written in 1610 by ŌTA Gyūichi at the request of the Ikeda
family about the warlord ODA Nobunaga. This collection contains
unique descriptions about the activities of the Ikeda family.

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Vol. 8, September 2014

Topics : Club Activities

Go Club at Okayama University“The Okayama University ‘Go Club’ was established around1968 and currently has approximately 34 active members,”
explains Shota Miyake, 2 nd year undergraduate at theFaculty of Law and head of the club. “Generally speaking,good players must be calm but make dynamic moves whenoccasions necessitate. Also, outstanding players can readmany moves ahead whilst monitoring the whole of the board.
The ability to gauge your opponent’s strengths and knowing
whether to ‘push’ or ‘step back’ is also important. ”
The ratio of male to female members is approximately 8 to 1.
The club does have experienced members but many had notplayed before joining the club. Overseas students frequently
watch the members of the club playing.

Members off the Okayama University ‘Go’ club at a practicesession.

The members of the club practice by playing each other as well as pursuing games by referring to records
of games played by professional players for practical experience of high level games. The members alsoorganize an annual ‘Go summer camp’.
The club participates in competitions held throughout the year. “In 2013 the Okayama Club was third placein the All Japan Go Championship,” says Miyake. “Also, one of our members was 1st and 2nd place in the
Spring 2013 championships.”“The rules of Go are very simple but the game is very stimulating and has great depth,” declares Miyake.
“Come and join us.”

Further information
Website:http://www.geocities.co.jp/CollegeLife-Library/2671/

1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan© Okayama University