Methods for regeneration of a mammalian lens

Patent Number: 7,176,189

This patent covers the induction of dedifferentiation, followed by transdifferentiation for regenerating mammalian lens. The patent covers the steps of inducing dedifferentiation in an eye lens using a surgical procedure, followed by inducing the transdifferentation through administration of guanosine, and then “fixing” the transdifferentiated effect through abministration of beta-carotene.

This patent has a very interesting BACKGROUND section that provides rationale for adult self regeneration of tissues, as well as numerous examples outside the area of ocular lens of induced dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation. The patent is a “must read”.

View this patent on the USPTO website.