Beta-Cell Regeneration and Stem-Cell-Derived Islet Transplantation

Mangen Joshua Fred

Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

Email: mangenjoshuafred@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1D), results from a loss or dysfunction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Restoration of β-cell mass and function remains a major therapeutic goal. Two complementary strategies hold promise: endogenous β-cell regeneration, through stimulating proliferation, neogenesis, or transdifferentiation, and exogenous replacement using stem-cell-derived islet (SC-islet) transplantation. This review synthesizes recent advances in both areas, delineates key challenges including functional maturation, immune rejection, scaling, and safety, and explores bioengineering and immunomodulatory strategies designed to enhance outcomes. It examines in vitro differentiation protocols, in vivo regeneration stimuli, results from preclinical and early clinical trials, and technological innovations such as encapsulation, immune evasion, and gene editing that may help make SC-islet replacement a safe, durable therapy. Finally, future research directions are proposed to guide progress in this field.

Keywords: β-cell regeneration; Stem cell-derived islets; Transplantation immunomodulation; Differentiation and maturation; Type 1 diabetes therapy

CITE AS: Mangen Joshua Fred (2025). Beta-Cell Regeneration and Stem-Cell-Derived Islet Transplantation. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 10(2):16-22, 2025. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2025/102.1622