Method for transdifferentiation of body tissues

Abstract

The invention relates to methods for transdifferentiation of body tissues which can be used to generate specific cell types needed for regenerating organs or body parts, following cellular degeneration, injury or amputation. The present invention also describes the use of tissue transdifferentiation for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.

1 . A method for treating melanoma in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an amount of a guanosine-containing compound effective to treat melanoma. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising administering an amount of beta-carotene effective to treat melanoma. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said guanosine-containing compound is guanosine monophosphate. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said guanosine-containing compound is administered systemically. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said beta-carotene is administered systemically. 
   
   
       6 . A method for treating melanoma in a mammal comprising contacting said melanoma with an amount of guanosine monophosphate effective to treat melanoma. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising contacting said melanoma with an amount of beta-carotene effective to treat melanoma. 
   
   
       8 . A method for treating melanoma in a mammal comprising contacting said melanoma with an amount of adenosine effective to treat melanoma. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising contacting said melanoma with an amount of retinoic acid effective to treat melanoma. 
   
   
       10 . A method for treating melanoma in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an amount of adenosine effective to treat melanoma. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising administering an amount of retinoic acid effective to treat melanoma.