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Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance
Published on: February 17, 2023
Targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress in insulin resistance
Laia Salvadó1, Xavier Palomer1, Emma Barroso1
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in the development of insulin resistance and progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Disruption of ER homeostasis leads to ER stress, which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). This response is linked to different processes involved in the development of insulin resistance (IR) and T2DM, including inflammation, lipid accumulation, insulin biosynthesis, and β-cell apoptosis. Understanding the mechanisms by which disruption of ER homeostasis leads to IR and its progression to T2DM may offer new pharmacological targets for the treatment and prevention of these diseases. Here, we examine ER stress, the UPR, and downstream pathways in insulin sensitive tissues, and in IR, and offer insights towards therapeutic strategies.
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