The University of Tokyo · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Professor Yuji Teramura's research lab specializes in advanced biomaterials and surface engineering for regenerative medicine, with a primary focus on improving cell transplantation outcomes. The lab develops innovative surface modification techniques—such as PEG-lipid conjugation and DNA-mediated microencapsulation—to enhance the biocompatibility, survival, and function of transplanted cells, particularly islets for type I diabetes. Key research directions include reducing immune rejection and inflammation through functional coatings with fibrinolytic enzymes or anticoagulants, and creating smart bioartificial pancreas systems using stimuli-responsive polymers and biomolecular recognition. The lab’s work bridges materials science, cell biology, and clinical applications to advance regenerative therapies.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Surface modification of living cells with natural or synthetic polymers is a powerful and useful tool in biomedical science and engineering. Various functional groups and bioactive substances can be immobilized to the cell surface through covalent conjugation, hydrophobic interaction, or electrostatic interaction. In this review, we provide an overview of the methods and polymers employed in cell surface modification, including: (1) covalent conjugation utilizing amino groups of cell surface pro
Our approach for the improvement of graft survival will be useful in the clinical setting.
Transplantation of islets of Langerhans (islets) is a promising technique for treating insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I). One unresolved issue is early graft loss due to inflammation triggered by blood coagulating on the surface of islets after transplantation into the portal vein. Here, we describe a versatile method for modifying the surface of islets with an ultrathin membrane carrying the fibrinolytic enzyme urokinase or the anticoagulant heparin. The surface of islets was modifie
Surface modification of islets with PEG-lipid or PEG-urokinase is a potential useful technology in the clinical application of islet transplantation.
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide and is expected to increase in the future with the aging population. Currently, there are no clinically available treatments for damage sustained during an ischemic stroke, but much research is being conducted in this area. In this review, we will introduce current ischemic stroke treatments along with their limitations, as well as research on potential short and long-term future treatments. There are advantages and disadvantages
Microencapsulation of islets with a semipermeable membrane, i.e., bioartificial pancreas, is a promising way to transplant islets without the need for immunosuppressive therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I diabetes). However, materials composing a bioartificial pancreas are not ideal and might activate defense reactions against foreign materials. In this study, we propose an original method for microencapsulation of islets with living cells using an amphiphilic poly(ethylene g
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