Protection of Cells through Renalase (RNLS) and CRISPR/Cas9 as a Potential Therapeutic Approach in Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a metabolic disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic cells, with various complications. RNLS (Renalase) is a protein expressed in the kidneys and is strongly associated with complications of cardiovascular disease and other diseases. Multiple studies have proved the association between RNLS and T1DM, showing that RNLS plays an important role in the protection of pancreas islet cells. RNKS can reduce damage caused by immune attacks and oxidative stress and regulate energy metabolism. Current studies used gene-editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, as a potential therapeutic approach for T1DM through targeting multiple genes. Researchers also used in vivo CRISPR screen and identified the role of RNLS in cells. However, future research is required to provide evidence of whether and how targeting RNLS with gene editing tools can restore cell function, aiming to provide novel therapeutic approaches and personalized clinical applications for heterogeneous T1DM patients.