CRISPR Cas9 Beta Cell Regeneration Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Translation

Mukisa Ian Mugaiga

Department of Pharmacology Kampala International University Uganda

Email:mugaiga.mukisa@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

                                                                                      ABSTRACT
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in lifelong dependence on exogenous insulin and risk of severe metabolic complications. Despite advances in insulin formulations and glucose monitoring technologies, current therapies failed to restore endogenous insulin production or fully prevent long term microvascular and macrovascular sequelae. CRISPR Cas9 genome editing emerged as a transformative platform capable of precise genetic modification, offering unprecedented opportunities for beta cell regeneration and immune modulation. The purpose of this review was to critically examine the mechanistic foundations and translational potential of CRISPR Cas9 based strategies for restoring functional beta cell mass in Type 1 diabetes. This article was developed through a comprehensive synthesis of peer reviewed literature integrating molecular immunology, beta cell biology, genome engineering technologies, and early translational studies. Evidence indicated that CRISPR mediated approaches may enable reprogramming of pancreatic cell lineages, enhancement of beta cell proliferation, correction of genetic susceptibility pathways, and engineering of immune evasive beta cells, while significant safety and regulatory challenges remain. CRISPR Cas9 driven beta cell regeneration represented a promising but complex therapeutic frontier that demands rigorous mechanistic validation and carefully designed clinical translation strategies.

Keywords: Type 1 diabetes; CRISPR Cas9, Beta cell regeneration, Genome editing, Translational endocrinology.

CITE AS: Mukisa Ian Mugaiga (2026). CRISPR Cas9 Beta Cell Regeneration Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Translation. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 11(2):113-117. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2026/112113117