Methods 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 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for transdifferentiating mammalian cells that have been destabilized by radiation comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the cells with an amount of beta-carotene effective to cause transdifferentiation of said cells; and (b) contacting said cells from step (a) with an amount effective for stabilization of an agent which causes stabilization of cells produced in step (a). 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the cells have been exposed to radiation. 
     
     
         22 . A method of regenerating stem cells in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an amount of beta-carotene effective to cause regeneration of the stem cells. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the cells are dedifferentiated cells. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the subject has cancer. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the subject has been exposed to radiation. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the stem cells are hematopoietic stem cells. 
     
     
         27 . A method of regenerating a developmental field in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an amount of beta-carotene effective to cause regeneration of the developmental field in the subject, wherein the developmental field is the hematopoietic system. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the subject has cancer. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the subject has been exposed to radiation. 
     
     
         30 . A method for transdifferentiating mammalian cells comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the cells with an amount of—guanosine monophosphate effective to cause transdifferentiation of said cells; and (b) contacting said cells from step (a) with an amount effective for stabilization of an agent which causes stabilization of cells produced in step (a). 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the cells are dedifferentiated cells. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein agent of step (b) is guanosine monophosphate. 
     
     
         33 . A method of regenerating a developmental field in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an amount of guanosine monophosphate effective to cause regeneration of the developmental field in the subject. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of a stabilizing agent. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein said stabilizing agent is guanosine monophosphate. 
     
     
         36 . A method of regenerating stem cells in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an amount of guanosine monophosphate effective to cause regeneration of the stem cells and an effective amount of a stabilizing agent. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein said stabilizing agent is guanosine monophosphate.