Okayama University e-Bulletin Vol.8
September 25, 2014
Source: Okayama University, Japan, Planning and Public Information Division
SUBLECT LINE: Okayama University e-Bulletin: Magic bullet vaccine for cancer treatment
For immediate release: 30 September 2014
Okayama University, Japan publishes the September 2014 issue of its online newsletter, Okayama University e-Bulletin: //www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/kouhou/ebulletin/
(Okayama, Japan, 30 September 2014) Content highlights include novel vaccine for cancer treatment; anti-aging properties of drinking hydrogen-rich water; shoulder and elbow surgery; self-assembling peptide hydrogel; turning ‘junk DNAs’ into genetic markers; photoelectric thin films as a novel type of retinal prosthesis; and manuscripts, pictures and books from the Ikeda Collection during the Edo period.
Okayama University e-Bulletin highlights news and views from one of Japan's largest comprehensive universities internationally recognized for its dynamic and innovative approach to interdisciplinary scientific research and pioneering educational programs.
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Contents of the September 2014 issue of Okayama University e-Bulletin:
//www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/kouhou/ebulletin/
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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 of Urology)
Direct targeting and induction of immunological attacks on cancer cells are two widely used approaches for the treatment of cancer. But Professor Hiromi Kumon and colleagues at Okayama University have developed a third and potentially more effective approach based on Reduced Expression in Immortalized Cells (REIC)—a tumor suppressor gene discovered at Okayama University. “In 2005 researchers at the 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. “Our approach is a combination of targeting and immunology for the treatment of cancer. Some people have referred to this as a ‘magic bullet’. We are working with international partners to develop an Ad-REIC/DKK3 vaccine to treat various intractable solid tumors.”
Caption: Hiromi Kumon, Director, Innovation Center Okayama for Nanobio-targeted Therapy (ICONT), Okayama University Graduate School (Department of Urology).
Caption: "Magic Bullet" for Cancer Gene Therapy
News
University-level agreement with Universiti Putra Malaysia concluded
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BIOtech Japan 2014: Okayama University presents its latest research achievements at the Asia’s largest bio event
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International Dental Center opens in Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam
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Assistant Prof. Miho Nishimura Spoke of Her Aspiration as Female Researcher at TEDx Tokyo 2014
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Prof. Kano Elected as Executive Committee Member of Global Young Academy
Research highlights
Anti-aging properties of drinking hydrogen-rich water on periodontal tissues
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Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
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New Topical Hemostatic Agent: Neutral Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel
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Next-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
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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 from 1603-1867-the Edo period.
The 100,000 items of the Ikeda Family Collection are housed at the Okayama University Central Library and offer unique insights into life during the Edo period, for both veteran scholars and students.
Caption: 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.
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Club Activities
Go Club at Okayama University
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Further information:
Okayama University
1-1-1 Tsushima-naka , Kita-ku ,
Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Planning and Public Information Division, Okayama University
E-mail: www-adm@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
Website: //www.okayama-u.ac.jp/index_e.html
About Okayama University
Okayama University is one of the largest comprehensive universities in Japan with roots going back to the Medical Training Place sponsored by the Lord of Okayama and established in 1870. Now with 1,300 faculty and 14,000 students, the University offers courses in specialties ranging from medicine and pharmacy to humanities and physical sciences. Okayama University is located in the heart of Japan approximately 3 hours west of Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Website: //www.okayama-u.ac.jp/index_e.html