Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Protein Kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) by Free Fatty Acid Receptor 1 (FFAR1/GPR40) Protects from Palmitate-Induced Beta Cell Death, but Plays no Role in Insulin Secretion

Abstract

Activation of ERK1/2 by palmitate and GPR40/FFAR1 agonist correlates neither with stimulation of insulin secretion nor with induction of apoptosis. The results suggest a significant anti-apoptotic role of ERK1/2 under conditions of lipotoxicity.