Hanayuki Okura

Osaka University, Ōsaka-shi, Osaka-fu, Japan

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Publications (12)39.11 Total impact

  • Source
    Dataset: Tightly Regulated and Homogeneous Transgene Expression in Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Lentivirus with Tet-Off System
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    ABSTRACT: Genetic modification of human adipose tissue–derived multilineage progenitor cells (hADMPCs) is highly valuable for their exploitation in therapeutic applications. Here, we have developed a novel single tet-off lentiviral vector platform. This vector combines (1) a modified tetracycline (tet)-response element composite promoter, (2) a multi-cistronic strategy to express an improved version of the tet-controlled transactivator and the blasticidin resistance gene under the control of a ubiquitous promoter, and (3) acceptor sites for easy recombination cloning of the gene of interest. In the present study, we used the cytomegalovirus (CMV) or the elongation factor 1 a (EF-1a) promoter as the ubiquitous promoter, and EGFP was introduced as the gene of interest. hADMPCs transduced with a lentiviral vector carrying either the CMV promoter or the EF-1a promoter were effectively selected by blasticidin without affecting their stem cell properties, and EGFP expression was strictly regulated by doxycycline (Dox) treatment in these cells. However, the single tet-off lentiviral vector carrying the EF-1a promoter provided more homogenous expression of EGFP in hADMPCs. Intriguingly, differentiated cells from these Dox-responsive cell lines constitutively expressed EGFP only in the absence of Dox. This single tet-off lentiviral vector thus provides an important tool for applied research on hADMPCs.
  • Source
    Article: Tightly Regulated and Homogeneous Transgene Expression in Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Lentivirus with Tet-Off System
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Genetic modification of human adipose tissue–derived multilineage progenitor cells (hADMPCs) is highly valuable for their exploitation in therapeutic applications. Here, we have developed a novel single tet-off lentiviral vector platform. This vector combines (1) a modified tetracycline (tet)-response element composite promoter, (2) a multi-cistronic strategy to express an improved version of the tet-controlled transactivator and the blasticidin resistance gene under the control of a ubiquitous promoter, and (3) acceptor sites for easy recombination cloning of the gene of interest. In the present study, we used the cytomegalovirus (CMV) or the elongation factor 1 a (EF-1a) promoter as the ubiquitous promoter, and EGFP was introduced as the gene of interest. hADMPCs transduced with a lentiviral vector carrying either the CMV promoter or the EF-1a promoter were effectively selected by blasticidin without affecting their stem cell properties, and EGFP expression was strictly regulated by doxycycline (Dox) treatment in these cells. However, the single tet-off lentiviral vector carrying the EF-1a promoter provided more homogenous expression of EGFP in hADMPCs. Intriguingly, differentiated cells from these Dox-responsive cell lines constitutively expressed EGFP only in the absence of Dox. This single tet-off lentiviral vector thus provides an important tool for applied research on hADMPCs.
    PLoS ONE 06/2013; 8(6):e66274. · 4.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Human adipose tissue-derived multilineage progenitor cells exposed to oxidative stress induce neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells through p38 MAPK signaling.
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    ABSTRACT: Adipose tissues contain populations of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells that also secrete various cytokines and growth factors to support repair of damaged tissues. In this study, we examined the role of oxidative stress on human adipose-derived multilineage progenitor cells (hADMPCs) in neurite outgrowth in cells of the rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12). We found that glutathione depletion in hADMPCs, caused by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), resulted in the promotion of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells through upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) transcription in, and secretion from, hADMPCs. Addition of N-acetylcysteine, a precursor of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione, suppressed the BSO-mediated upregulation of BMP2 and FGF2. Moreover, BSO treatment caused phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in hADMPCs. Inhibition of p38 MAPK was sufficient to suppress BMP2 and FGF2 expression, while this expression was significantly upregulated by overexpression of a constitutively active form of MKK6, which is an upstream molecule from p38 MAPK. Our results clearly suggest that glutathione depletion, followed by accumulation of reactive oxygen species, stimulates the activation of p38 MAPK and subsequent expression of BMP2 and FGF2 in hADMPCs. Thus, transplantation of hADMPCs into neurodegenerative lesions such as stroke and Parkinson's disease, in which the transplanted hADMPCs are exposed to oxidative stress, can be the basis for simple and safe therapies.
    BMC Cell Biology 08/2012; 13:21. · 2.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Intracoronary artery transplantation of cardiomyoblast-like cells from human adipose tissue-derived multi-lineage progenitor cells improve left ventricular dysfunction and survival in a swine model of chronic myocardial infarction.
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    ABSTRACT: Transplantation of human cardiomyoblast-like cells (hCLCs) from human adipose tissue-derived multi-lineage progenitor cells improved left ventricular function and survival of rats with myocardial infarction. Here we examined the effect of intracoronary artery transplantation of human CLCs in a swine model of chronic heart failure. Twenty-four pigs underwent balloon-occlusion of the first diagonal branch followed by reperfusion, with a second balloon-occlusion of the left ascending coronary artery 1week later followed by reperfusion. Four weeks after the second occlusion/reperfusion, 17 of the 18 surviving animals with severe chronic MI (ejection fraction <35% by echocardiography) were immunosuppressed then randomly assigned to receive either intracoronary artery transplantation of hCLCs hADMPCs or placebo lactic Ringer's solution with heparin. Intracoronary artery transplantation was followed by the distribution of DiI-stained hCLCs into the scarred myocardial milieu. Echocardiography at post-transplant days 4 and 8weeks showed rescue and maintenance of cardiac function in the hCLCs transplanted group, but not in the control animals, indicating myocardial functional recovery by hCLCs intracoronary transplantation. At 8week post-transplantation, 7 of 8 hCLCs transplanted animals were still alive compared with only 1 of the 5 control (p=0.0147). Histological studies at week 12 post-transplantation demonstrated engraftment of the pre DiI-stained hCLCs into the scarred myocardium and their expression of human specific alpha-cardiac actin. Human alpha cardiac actin-positive cells also expressed cardiac nuclear factors; nkx2.5 and GATA-4. Our results suggest that intracoronary artery transplantation of hCLCs is a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for future cardiac tissue regeneration.
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 08/2012; 425(4):859-65. · 2.48 Impact Factor
  • Article: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor augments the serum total cholesterol-lowering effect of human adipose tissue-derived multilineage progenitor cells in hyperlipidemic homozygous Watanabe rabbits.
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    ABSTRACT: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal codominant disease characterized by high concentrations of proatherogenic lipoproteins secondary to deficiency in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. We reported recently the use of in situ stem cell therapy of human adipose tissue-derived multilineage progenitor cells (hADMPCs) in lowering serum total cholesterol in the homozygous Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits, an animal model of homozygous FH. Here we demonstrate that pravastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, augmented the cholesterol-lowering effect of transplanted hADMPCs and enhanced LDL clearance in homozygous WHHL rabbit. The results suggest the potential beneficial effects of in situ stem cell therapy in concert with appropriately selected pharmaceutical agents, in regenerative medicine.
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 08/2011; 412(1):50-4. · 2.48 Impact Factor
  • Article: Transplantation of human adipose tissue-derived multilineage progenitor cells reduces serum cholesterol in hyperlipidemic Watanabe rabbits.
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    ABSTRACT: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal codominant disease characterized by high concentrations of proatherogenic lipoproteins and premature atherosclerosis secondary to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor deficiency. We examined a novel cell therapy strategy for the treatment of FH in the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, an animal model for homozygous FH. We delivered human adipose tissue-derived multilineage progenitor cells (hADMPCs) via portal vein and followed by immunosuppressive regimen to avoid xenogenic rejection. Transplantation of hADMPCs resulted in significant reductions in total cholesterol, and the reductions were observed within 4 weeks and maintained for 12 weeks. (125)I-LDL turnover study showed that the rate of LDL clearance was significantly higher in the WHHL rabbits with transplanted hADMPCs than those without transplanted. After transplantation hADMPCs were localized in the portal triad, subsequently integrated into the hepatic parenchyma. The integrated cells expressed human albumin, human alpha-1-antitrypsin, human Factor IX, human LDL receptors, and human bile salt export pump, indicating that the transplanted hADMPCs resided, survived, and showed hepatocytic differentiation in vivo and lowered serum cholesterol in the WHHL rabbits. These results suggested that hADMPC transplantation could correct the metabolic defects and be a novel therapy for inherited liver diseases.
    Tissue Engineering Part C Methods 02/2011; 17(2):145-54. · 4.64 Impact Factor
  • Article: HDL/apolipoprotein A-I binds to macrophage-derived progranulin and suppresses its conversion into proinflammatory granulins.
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    ABSTRACT: HDL has anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages, although the mechanism of action remains unclear. We hypothesized that HDL suppresses the conversion of macrophage-secreted factors into proinflammatory factors via binding, and tried to identify the factor that could form a complex with HDL and/or apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. In conditioned media obtained from human monocyte-derived macrophages, we found an apo A-I binding protein and identified the protein as progranulin/proepithelin/acrogranin/PCDGF. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis showing that progranulin binds and forms a complex with apo A-I and the presence of progranulin in the HDL fraction in the sera indicated that progranilin is a novel apolipoprotein. Conditioned media of HEK293 cells transfected with progranulin augmented the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta on macrophages, but these effects of progranulin were inhibited by co-incubation with HDL or apo A-I. Anti-progranulin antibodies also reduced the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta on macrophages. Granulins as conversion products derived from progranilin increased TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta expression and the effects were not suppressed by HDL. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of HDL on macrophages might be due to suppression of the conversion of progranulin into proinflammatory granulins by forming a complex.
    Journal of atherosclerosis and thrombosis 03/2010; 17(6):568-77. · 2.69 Impact Factor
  • Article: Reduction of N-glycolylneuraminic acid xenoantigen on human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells/mesenchymal stem cells leads to safer and more useful cell sources for various stem cell therapies.
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    ABSTRACT: Adipose tissue is an attractive source for somatic stem cell therapy. Currently, human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells/mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs/MSCs) are cultured with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Recently, however, not only human embryonic stem cell lines cultured on mouse feeder cells but also bone marrow-derived human MSCs cultured with FBS were reported to express N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) xenoantigen. Human serum contains high titers of natural preformed antibodies against Neu5Gc. We studied the presence of Neu5Gc on hADSCs/MSCs cultured with FBS and human immune response mediated by Neu5Gc. Our data indicated that hADSCs/MSCs cultured with FBS expressed Neu5Gc and that human natural preformed antibodies could bind to hADSCs/MSCs. However, hADSCs/MSCs express complement regulatory proteins such as CD46, CD55, and CD59 and are largely resistant to complement-mediated cytotoxicity. hADSCs/MSCs cultured with FBS could be injured by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity mechanism. Further, human monocyte-derived macrophages could phagocytose hADSCs/MSCs cultured with FBS and this phagocytic activity was increased in the presence of human serum. Culturing hADSCs/MSCs with heat-inactivated human serum for a week could markedly reduce Neu5Gc on hADSCs/MSCs and prevent immune responses mediated by Neu5Gc, such as binding of human natural preformed antibodies, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and phagocytosis. Adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potentials of hADSCs/MSCs cultured with heat-inactivated human serum were not less than that of those cultured with FBS. For stem cell therapies based on hADSCs/MSCs, hADSCs/MSCs that presented Neu5Gc on their cell surfaces after exposure to FBS should be cleaned up to be rescued from xenogeneic rejection.
    Tissue Engineering Part A 10/2009; 16(4):1143-55. · 4.64 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Properties of hepatocyte-like cell clusters from human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
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    ABSTRACT: There are only a few reports that describe the hepatocytic differentiation potential of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) and no reports that describe the in vivo functions of hepatocyte-like cells differentiated from somatic stem cells including hADMSCs. In this study, we established a new method for generation of functional hepatocyte-like cell clusters using floating culture method and induced functional hepatocyte-like cell clusters, which functioned effectively not only in vitro but also in vivo. The generated hepatocyte-like cell clusters were characterized by gene expression analysis, functional assays, and transplantation into non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD-SCID) mouse with chronic liver injury. The generated hepatocyte-like cell clusters expressed various genes normally found on mature hepatocytes. The cell clusters exhibited functional characteristics of hepatocytes: they expressed albumin, secreted urea, had cytochrome P450 activity, could take up low-density lipoprotein, and stored glycogen. Transplantation of these cell clusters into NOD-SCID mouse with chronic liver injury resulted in a significant improvement of serum albumin and total bilirubin levels. In summary, we established a new protocol for efficient induction of hADMSCs into functional hepatocyte-like cell clusters.
    Tissue Engineering Part C Methods 10/2009; 16(4):761-70. · 4.64 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cardiomyoblast-like cells differentiated from human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve left ventricular dysfunction and survival in a rat myocardial infarction model.
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    ABSTRACT: Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are multipotent cells. Here we examined whether human ADMSCs (hADMSCs) could differentiate into cardiomyoblast-like cells (CLCs) by induction with dimethylsulfoxide and whether the cells would be utilized to treat cardiac dysfunction. Dimethylsulfoxide induced the expression of various cardiac markers in hADMSCs, such as alpha-cardiac actin, cardiac myosin light chain, and myosin heavy chain; none of which were detected in noncommitted hADMSCs. The induced cells were thus designated as hADMSC-derived CLCs (hCLCs). To confirm their beneficial effect on cardiac function, hCLC patches were transplanted onto the Nude rat myocardial infarction model, and compared with noncommitted hADMSC patch transplants and sham operations. Echocardiography demonstrated significant short-term improvement of cardiac function in both the patch-transplanted groups. However, long-term follow-up showed rescue and maintenance of cardiac function in the hCLC patch-transplanted group only, but not in the noncommitted hADMSC patch-transplanted animals. The hCLCs, but not the hADMSCs, engrafted into the scarred myocardium and differentiated into human cardiac troponin I-positive cells, and thus regarded as cardiomyocytes. Transplantation of the hCLC patches also resulted in recovery of cardiac function and improvement of long-term survival rate. Thus, transplantation of hCLC patches is a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for future cardiac tissue regeneration.
    Tissue Engineering Part C Methods 08/2009; 16(3):417-25. · 4.64 Impact Factor
  • Article: Creation of a rich subcutaneous vascular network with implanted adipose tissue-derived stromal cells and adipose tissue enhances subcutaneous grafting of islets in diabetic mice.
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    ABSTRACT: Subcutaneous tissue was proposed as an optimal transplant site for islets in treatment for type I diabetes mellitus. However, vascular networks in subcutaneous tissue are too poor in their natural state to allow survive and function of the transplanted graft. This study examined whether subcutaneous implantation of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) combined with minced adipose tissue could form vascular-rich beds suitable to support islet transplantation. ADSCs were isolated from male C57BL/6J mouse inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue. ADSCs and minced adipose tissue were implanted syngeneically in subcutaneous tissue of the back of recipient mice. Four weeks later, vascularization in the implanted subcutaneous tissue was evaluated, and islets were transplanted onto the vascularized pockets. Mice that received ADSCs mixed with minced adipose tissue showed a richly vascularized pocket of tissue with significantly higher capillary density than in mice implanted with either ADSCs or minced adipose tissue only. All recipient mice of the combination ADSCs and minced adipose tissue group showed correction in blood glucose level within a week after islet transplantation and maintained normoglycemia for over 8 weeks. These mice became hyperglycemic again after removal of the subcutaneous grafts. This novel method will expand the indications for islet transplant therapy and potential clinical application of cell-based therapy.
    Tissue Engineering Part C Methods 04/2009; 15(3):437-44. · 4.64 Impact Factor
  • Article: Transdifferentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells into insulin-producing clusters.
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    ABSTRACT: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. The major obstacle to transplantation of insulin-producing cells to cure the disease is the limited source of these cells. To overcome this problem, we describe here a multistep protocol for generation of insulin-producing islet-like clusters from human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs). Analysis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction detected enhanced expression of various pancreatic genes during the differentiation of ADSCs. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed functional similarities between cells derived from ADSCs and pancreatic islet cells, i.e., the presence of insulin- and C-peptide-coexpressing cells in the clusters and glucagon expression on the cell surface. The glucose challenge tests revealed the production of insulin, and such production was regulated via physiological signaling pathways. Our insulin-producing cells derived from ADSCs could be potentially used for cell therapy of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
    Journal of Artificial Organs 02/2009; 12(2):123-30. · 1.59 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2012
    • Osaka University
      • Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics
      Ōsaka-shi, Osaka-fu, Japan
  • 2009–2011
    • Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation
      Kōbe-shi, Hyogo-ken, Japan
    • Osaka City University
      Ōsaka-shi, Osaka-fu, Japan