Updated on 2026/03/05

写真a

 
OKUYAMA Kentaro
 
Organization
Academic Assembly Institute of Medicine and Dentistry IGAKU KEIRETU Assistant Professor
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Molecular and Cellular Medicine Cellular Function Assistant Professor
Title
Assistant Professor
External link

Degree

  • 博士(バイオセラピー学) ( 2021.3 )

  • 修士(バイオセラピー学) ( 2018.3 )

Research Interests

  • Electron microscopy

  • immunoelectron microscopy

  • Peripheral nerve regeneration

  • Bioimaging

  • Histology

  • Microscopic anatomy

  • comparative anatomy

Research Areas

  • Life Science / Anatomy  / Microscopic Anatomy

  • Life Science / Neuroscience-general

Research History (researchmap)

  • Niigata University   Assistant Professor

    2022.2

    　 More details

  • Niigata University   Specially Appointed Assistant Professor

    2021.4 - 2022.1

    　 More details

Research History

  • Niigata University   Cellular Function, Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences   Assistant Professor

    2022.2

  • Niigata University   Institute of Medicine and Dentistry, Academic Assembly   Assistant Professor

    2022.2

  • Niigata University   Institute of Medicine and Dentistry, Academic Assembly   Specially Appointed Assistant Professor

    2021.4 - 2022.1

  • Niigata University   Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences   Specially Appointed Assistant Professor

    2021.4 - 2022.1

Education

  • Tokyo University of Agriculture   Graduate School of Agriculture, Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships

    2018.4 - 2021.3

    　 More details

  • Tokyo University of Agriculture   Graduate School of Agriculture, Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships

    2016.4 - 2018.3

    　 More details

    Notes： Master's Program

    researchmap

  • Tokyo University of Agriculture   Faculty of Agriculture

    2012.4 - 2016.3

    　 More details

Professional Memberships

▶ display all

 

Papers

  • Advances in multiscale myelin imaging: from classical histology to functional insights Reviewed

    Kentaro Okuyama, Yuji Komaki, Motonari Ishihara, Yuma Kurosaki, Saki Tsuchiya, Manabu Hayatsu, Junpei Nakayama, Keiko Uchiyama, Kosuke Itoh, Toshihiro Nagai, Tomoko Shindo, Nobuko Moritoki, Hiroyuki Kawashima, Shinsuke Shibata

    Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience   20   2026.2

    　More details

    Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Frontiers Media SA  

    Scientific understanding of myelin, the lipid-rich sheath of axons essential for vertebrate rapid neuronal communication, has evolved considerably. Enabled by major advances in imaging technology, research has shifted from viewing myelin as a static insulator to investigating the dynamic roles of myelinating glia in nervous system development, function, and pathophysiology. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive, multi-scale overview of the imaging toolkit for myelin biology, from foundational histology to cutting-edge advances. At the macro- and meso-scales, non-invasive modalities like magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography reveal in vivo myelin architecture and molecular changes, offering critical insights into large-scale pathology. At the micro-scale, advanced light microscopy now visualizes cellular dynamics and molecular interactions with remarkable clarity. Finally, at the nano-scale, sophisticated electron microscopy techniques—including volume electron microscopy and correlative approaches—resolve the ultrastructural basis of biological phenomena with unparalleled detail. As no single modality can capture the full biological context, a holistic understanding of glial biology requires the strategic integration of these multi-scale techniques with advanced computational analysis. This integrated approach is essential for revealing the full spectrum of myelin biology and uncovering novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

    DOI： 10.3389/fncel.2026.1771168

    researchmap

  • Enhanced nerve regeneration after transplantation of NCAM-positive neural crest-like cells derived from human iPSC Reviewed

    Tsuyoshi Amemiya, Takehito Ouchi, Hiroo Kimura, Kentaro Okuyama, Thinh Quang Phan, Takuji Iwamoto, Taneaki Nakagawa, Morio Matsumoto, Masaya Nakamura, Hideyuki Okano, Narihito Nagoshi, Shinsuke Shibata

    Inflammation and Regeneration   46 ( 1 )   2026.2

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

    DOI： 10.1186/s41232-026-00409-5

    researchmap

    Other Link： https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s41232-026-00409-5.pdf

  • Integrated respiratory functions predict myelin status in the mouse brain Reviewed

    Kou Nishikubo, Kaho Hitomi, Reiichi Sugihara, Kyoka Higuchi, Lili Quan, Akiko Uyeda, Masaaki Nameta, Kentaro Okuyama, Shinsuke Shibata, Yuki Kato, Rieko Muramatsu

    npj Biomedical Innovations   3 ( 1 )   2026.2

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

    DOI： 10.1038/s44385-025-00062-6

    researchmap

    Other Link： https://www.nature.com/articles/s44385-025-00062-6

  • Enhancing the efficiency of bone tissue regeneration by using a 3D printed scaffold optimized with heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 Reviewed

    Chung-Yao Ku, Yin-Hsiu Chen, Chih-Ming Lin, Yin-Hung Chu, Ying-Jui Ho, Li-Ling Liu, Ying-Chieh Huang, Kentaro Okuyama, Chiung‑Hui Liu, Wen-Chieh Liao

    Biomedical Materials   2025.12

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：IOP Publishing  

    Abstract

    Craniofacial bone deficiencies caused by trauma or disease pose clinical challenges as the shape of the damaged area varies between people. Although bone grafts are effective, they face issues such as poor drug retention and potential immune responses. Polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds possess therapeutic potential owing to their size, mechanical properties, stability, and biocompatibility. However, PLA scaffolds inherently lack bioactive molecules necessary to promote osteogenesis. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG2), also known as perlecan (Pln), are a basement membrane-specific glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-containing core protein. Pln is a reservoir for heparin-binding growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), through GAG chains in domain I. For these reasons, we designed an HSPG2-coated PLA scaffold to enhance FGF delivery and promote cranial bone regeneration. Our results suggested an ideal scaffold with a 0.3 mm pore size and 60% porosity, enabling MG 63 cell proliferation and osteogenesis. HSPGs help modulate FGF signalling during MG63 cell differentiation, motivating further studies on the microenvironment involved in neo-bone formation. We used 3D-printed PLA scaffolds coated with HSPG2 to create an osteoconductive environment. Advanced quantitative tests, computed tomography, and confocal microscopy confirmed the efficacy of the scaffold in reducing cranial bone-gap distances. Customised PLA scaffolds repaired diverse bone defects and regulated FGF delivery via HSPG2/FGF signalling, consequently promoting cranial bone regeneration. This study demonstrated promising applications for the treatment of cranial bone defects.


    DOI： 10.1088/1748-605x/ae30bd

    researchmap

    Other Link： https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-605X/ae30bd/pdf

  • An inducible oligodendrocyte dysfunction triggered a pathological cascade of massive microglial activation and neurodegeneration Reviewed

    Masataka Ise, Norihisa Bizen, Anna Simankova, Kentaro Okuyama, Shinsuke Shibata, Mari Tada, Hirohide Takebayashi

    Neurobiology of Disease   216   107142 - 107142   2025.11

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

    DOI： 10.1016/j.nbd.2025.107142

    researchmap

  • Analysis of Brain, Blood, and Testis Phenotypes Lacking the Vps13a Gene in C57BL/6N Mice Reviewed

    Jitrapa Pinyomahakul, Masataka Ise, Meiko Kawamura, Takashi Yamada, Kentaro Okuyama, Shinsuke Shibata, Jun Takizawa, Manabu Abe, Kenji Sakimura, Hirohide Takebayashi

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences   25 ( 14 )   7776   2024.7

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

    The Vps13a gene encodes a lipid transfer protein called VPS13A, or chorein, associated with mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs), mitochondria–endosomes, and lipid droplets. This protein plays a crucial role in inter-organelle communication and lipid transport. Mutations in the VPS13A gene are implicated in the pathogenesis of chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc), a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chorea, orofacial dyskinesias, hyperkinetic movements, seizures, cognitive impairment, and acanthocytosis. Previous mouse models of ChAc have shown variable disease phenotypes depending on the genetic background. In this study, we report the generation of a Vps13a flox allele in a pure C57BL/6N mouse background and the subsequent creation of Vps13a knockout (KO) mice via Cre-recombination. Our Vps13a KO mice exhibited increased reticulocytes but not acanthocytes in peripheral blood smears. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the GFAP- and Iba1-positive cells in the striatum, the basal ganglia of the central nervous system. Interestingly, we observed abnormal spermatogenesis leading to male infertility. These findings indicate that Vps13a KO mice are valuable models for studying male infertility and some hematological aspects of ChAc.

    DOI： 10.3390/ijms25147776

    researchmap

  • Atg44/Mdi1/mitofissin facilitates Dnm1-mediated mitochondrial fission Reviewed

    Kentaro Furukawa, Manabu Hayatsu, Kentaro Okuyama, Tomoyuki Fukuda, Shun-Ichi Yamashita, Keiichi Inoue, Shinsuke Shibata, Tomotake Kanki

    Autophagy   20 ( 10 )   2314 - 2322   2024.6

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Informa UK Limited  

    DOI： 10.1080/15548627.2024.2360345

    researchmap

  • Novel artificial nerve transplantation of human iPSC-derived neurite bundles enhanced nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury Reviewed

    Takayuki Nishijima, Kentaro Okuyama, Shinsuke Shibata, Hiroo Kimura, Munehisa Shinozaki, Takehito Ouchi, Yo Mabuchi, Tatsukuni Ohno, Junpei Nakayama, Manabu Hayatsu, Keiko Uchiyama, Tomoko Shindo, Eri Niiyama, Sayaka Toita, Jiro Kawada, Takuji Iwamoto, Masaya Nakamura, Hideyuki Okano, Narihito Nagoshi

    Inflammation and Regeneration   44 ( 1 )   2024.2

    　More details

    Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

    Abstract

    Background

    Severe peripheral nerve damage always requires surgical treatment. Autologous nerve transplantation is a standard treatment, but it is not sufficient due to length limitations and extended surgical time. Even with the available artificial nerves, there is still large room for improvement in their therapeutic effects. Novel treatments for peripheral nerve injury are greatly expected.

    Methods

    Using a specialized microfluidic device, we generated artificial neurite bundles from human iPSC-derived motor and sensory nerve organoids. We developed a new technology to isolate cell-free neurite bundles from spheroids. Transplantation therapy was carried out for large nerve defects in rat sciatic nerve with novel artificial nerve conduit filled with lineally assembled sets of human neurite bundles. Quantitative comparisons were performed over time to search for the artificial nerve with the therapeutic effect, evaluating the recovery of motor and sensory functions and histological regeneration. In addition, a multidimensional unbiased gene expression profiling was carried out by using next-generation sequencing.

    Result

    After transplantation, the neurite bundle-derived artificial nerves exerted significant therapeutic effects, both functionally and histologically. Remarkably, therapeutic efficacy was achieved without immunosuppression, even in xenotransplantation. Transplanted neurite bundles fully dissolved after several weeks, with no tumor formation or cell proliferation, confirming their biosafety. Posttransplant gene expression analysis highlighted the immune system’s role in recovery.

    Conclusion

    The combination of newly developed microfluidic devices and iPSC technology enables the preparation of artificial nerves from organoid-derived neurite bundles in advance for future treatment of peripheral nerve injury patients. A promising, safe, and effective peripheral nerve treatment is now ready for clinical application.

    DOI： 10.1186/s41232-024-00319-4

    researchmap

    Other Link： https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41232-024-00319-4/fulltext.html

  • Atypical epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma is a minimal phenotypic variant of epidermolytic ichthyosis: A new insight from ultrastructural findings Reviewed

    Osamu Ansai, Ryota Hayashi, Tatsuya Katsumi, Kentaro Okuyama, Shinsuke Shibata, Satoru Shinkuma, Masaaki Ito, Riichiro Abe

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology   37 ( 12 )   2023.7

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

    DOI： 10.1111/jdv.19357

    researchmap

  • The mitochondrial intermembrane space protein mitofissin drives mitochondrial fission required for mitophagy Reviewed

    Tomoyuki Fukuda, Kentaro Furukawa, Tatsuro Maruyama, Shun-ichi Yamashita, Daisuke Noshiro, Chihong Song, Yuta Ogasawara, Kentaro Okuyama, Jahangir Md Alam, Manabu Hayatsu, Tetsu Saigusa, Keiichi Inoue, Kazuho Ikeda, Akira Takai, Lin Chen, Vikramjit Lahiri, Yasushi Okada, Shinsuke Shibata, Kazuyoshi Murata, Daniel J. Klionsky, Nobuo N. Noda, Tomotake Kanki

    Molecular Cell   83 ( 12 )   2045 - 2058.e9   2023.5

    　More details

    Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

    Mitophagy plays an important role in mitochondrial homeostasis by selective degradation of mitochondria. During mitophagy, mitochondria should be fragmented to allow engulfment within autophagosomes, whose capacity is exceeded by the typical mitochondria mass. However, the known mitochondrial fission factors, dynamin-related proteins Dnm1 in yeasts and DNM1L/Drp1 in mammals, are dispensable for mitophagy. Here, we identify Atg44 as a mitochondrial fission factor that is essential for mitophagy in yeasts, and we therefore term Atg44 and its orthologous proteins mitofissin. In mitofissin-deficient cells, a part of the mitochondria is recognized by the mitophagy machinery as cargo but cannot be enwrapped by the autophagosome precursor, the phagophore, due to a lack of mitochondrial fission. Furthermore, we show that mitofissin directly binds to lipid membranes and brings about lipid membrane fragility to facilitate membrane fission. Taken together, we propose that mitofissin acts directly on lipid membranes to drive mitochondrial fission required for mitophagy.

    DOI： 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.04.022

    researchmap

  • Morphological Characteristics and Embryogenesis of the Vomeronasal Organ and Associated Structures in the Japanese Grass Lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides (Squamata: Lacertoidea: Lacertidae) Reviewed

    Kentaro Okuyama, Takeshi Sasaki

    Ichthyology and Herpetology (Copeia)   109 ( 3 )   691 - 704   2021.8

    　More details

    Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

    DOI： 10.1643/h2020163

    Scopus

    researchmap

  • Post-ovipositional developmental stages of the Japanese Grass Lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides (Squamata: Lacertidae) Reviewed

    Kentaro Okuyama, Yume Sakuma, Takeshi Sasaki

    Current Herpetology   40 ( 1 )   66 - 76   2021.2

    　More details

    Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Herpetological Society of Japan  

    DOI： 10.5358/HSJ.40.66

    Scopus

    researchmap

▶ display all

MISC

  • Frontier of Research and Development Promoting the Regeneration of Peripheral Nerve Injury Invited

    Kentaro Okuyama, Junpei Nakayama, Eri Niiyama, Jiro Kawada, Takayuki Nishijima, Takuji Iwamoto, Narihito Nagoshi, Aya Shindori, Shinsuke Shibata

    Regenerative Medicine   24 ( 2 )   8 - 15   2025.5

    　More details

    Authorship：Lead author  

    researchmap

  • Novel artificial nerve with human iPSC-derived neurite bundles Invited

    Medical Science Digest   2024.11

    　More details

    Authorship：Lead author  

    researchmap

  • 坐骨神経切断モデルラットに対するヒトiPS細胞由来の神経突起束を用いた新規人工神経移植法の検討

    西島貴之, 西島貴之, 奥山健太郎, 木村洋朗, 黄地健仁, 馬渕洋, 大野建州, 信藤知子, 川田治良, 名越慈人, 岩本卓士, 岡野栄之, 芝田晋介, 中村雅也

    第35回日本末梢神経学会学術集会プログラム・抄録 シンポジウム「脊髄末梢神経再生を目指して：新たな医療の光」   2024.9

    　More details

  • Application for Structural Analysis of Large Sample by Using Multibeam SEM and CLEM Reviewed

    Hayatsu Manabu, Okuyama Kentaro, Shindo Tomoko, Okano Hideyuki, Shibata Shinsuke

    KENBIKYO   56 ( 3 )   124 - 130   2021.12

    　More details

    Language：Japanese   Publisher：The Japanese Society of Microscopy  

    The ATUM-SEM system, which can analyze serial sections for electron microscopy in three dimensionally, is one of the SEM imaging procedure, and has been attracting attention recently. Among the various serial EM observation procedures, this system has excellent features, such as high-resolution imaging with a wide range of biological specimens and the possibility to image sections repeatedly. Furthermore, by combining ATUM-SEM system and multibeam SEM imaging technology which irradiates 61 beams in parallel to image the serial sections, the entire images of the EM block can be obtained quickly and with high resolution. The whole system enables us to carry out three-dimensional structural analysis of large biological samples from the level of millimeter resolution to that of nanometer resolution. Recently, the localization of a specific molecule can be clearly visualized on a wide range of sections by analyzing with the multibeam SEM and with the CLEM methods, simultaneously. In this review, we would like to summarize the ATUM-SEM system, and the procedure for large area imaging with multibeam SEM, and also describe the cutting-edge imaging technology of the large area CLEM imaging with multi-beam SEM, designated as LA-CLEM (large-area CLEM).

    DOI： 10.11410/kenbikyo.56.3_124

    CiNii Article

    CiNii Books

    researchmap

    Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/2022162912

  • ヘビ類TRPA1チャネルの化学刺激受容に関する遺伝子進化 Reviewed

    奥山 健太郎, 佐々木 剛

    ANIMATE   14   1 - 6   2018

    　More details

    Authorship：Lead author  

    researchmap

Presentations

  • Development of a novel artificial nerve material using the human iPS cell-derived axon bundles as acellular grafts

    Kentaro Okuyama, Junpei Nakayama, Takayuki Nishijima, Hiroo KImura, Yuji Komaki, Keiko Uchiyama, Eri Niiyama, Jiro Kawada, Narihito Nagoshi, Shinsuke Shibata

    2024.9 

    　More details

    Event date： 2024.9

    Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

    researchmap

  • Novel Biosafe Engineered Acellular Nerve Grafts: Utilizing Human iPSC-DerivedNeurite Bundles from Nerve Organoids

    Kentaro Okuyama, Takayuki Nishijima, Junpei Nakayama, Phan Quang Thinh, Eri Niiyama, Jiro Kawada, Shinsuke Shibata

    NEUROSCIENCE 2025, San Diego, California, USA  2025.11 

    　More details

  • Peripheral Nerve Regeneration through Transplantation of iPSC-Derived Neurites as a Novel Biomaterial for Artificial Nerve

    Kentaro Okuyama, Takayuki Nishijima, Junpei Nakayama, Hiroo Kimura, Eri Niiyama, Jiro Kawada, Keiko Uchiyama, Thinh Quang Phan, Shinsuke Shibata

    The 68th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Neurochemistry  2025.9 

    　More details

  • Applicability of human iPS cell-derived neurites as a novel artificial nerve material for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury

    Kentaro Okuyama, Takayuki Nishijima, Hiroo Kimura, Junpei Nakayama, Thinh Quang Phan, Manabu Hayatsu, Keiko Uchiyama, Eri Niiyama, Jiro Kawada, Shinsuke Shibata

    2025.7 

    　More details

    Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

    researchmap

  • Development of a novel artificial nerve composed of human iPSC-derived neurite bundles

    Kentaro Okuyama

    The 23rd Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine  2024.3 

    　More details

    Presentation type：Symposium, workshop panel (nominated)  

    researchmap

  • Post-ovipositional embryonic development of Japanese grass lizard Takydromus tachydromoides and Far eastern skink Plestiodon finitimus

    Kentaro Okuyama, Yume Sakuma, Takeshi Sasaki

    59rd Annual Meeting of the Herpetological Society of Japan  2020.12 

    　More details

    Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

    researchmap

  • Morphological characteristics of the vomeronasal organ and associated structures of Japanese grass lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides

    Kentaro Okuyama, Takeshi Sasaki

    The 90rd Annual Meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan  2019.9 

    　More details

    Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

    researchmap

  • Morphological characteristics of the vomeronasal organ and its associated structures in the Japanese grass lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides

    Kentaro Okuyama, Takeshi Sasaki

    Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Utah USA  2019.7 

    　More details

    Presentation type：Poster presentation  

    researchmap

▶ display all

Awards

  • 令和７年度新潟大学優秀論文表彰

    2025.8   新潟大学  

    　More details

  • 新潟大学医学部 JA 新潟厚生連基金 海外留学･学術研究支援事業

    2025.8   新潟大学  

    　More details

  • Poster Award

    2024.3   The 23rd Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine   Transplantation of human iPSC-derived neurite bundles to enhance nerve regeneration in large peripheral nerve defects

    Kentaro Okuyama, Takayuki Nishijima, Hiroo Kimura, Junpei Nakayama, Manabu Hayatsu, Keiko Uchiyama, Eri Niiyama, Jiro Kawada, Narihito Nagoshi, Shinsuke Shibata

    　More details

Research Projects

  • 心臓再生モデルのための、サカナ心臓のヒト型化による、異種移植心臓の統合機構の解明

    Grant number：25K03450

    2025.4 - 2029.3

    System name：科学研究費助成事業

    Research category：基盤研究(B)

    Awarding organization：日本学術振興会

    大沼 清, 亀井 保博, 芝田 晋介, 柴 祐司, 奥山 健太郎

    　 More details

    Grant amount：\18720000 （ Direct Cost: \14400000 、 Indirect Cost：\4320000 ）

    researchmap

  • Development of novel, broadly applicable artificial nerve materials using axons from iPS cell-derived nerve organoid

    Grant number：24K19570

    2024.4 - 2027.3

    System name：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research

    Research category：Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists

    Awarding organization：Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

    　 More details

    Grant amount：\4680000 （ Direct Cost: \3600000 、 Indirect Cost：\1080000 ）

    researchmap

 

Teaching Experience (researchmap)

  • 学問の扉 知と方法の最前線

    2023

    　More details

  • 人体の構造と機能I (組織学総論)

    2021

    　More details

  • 人体の構造と機能II (組織学各論)

    2021

    　More details

Teaching Experience

  • 人体の構造と機能II(組織学各論)

    2024
    Institution name：新潟大学

  • 人体の構造と機能I(組織学総論)

    2024
    Institution name：新潟大学

  • 学問の扉 知と方法の最前線

    2023
    Institution name：新潟大学