Role of ERp46 in β-cell lipoapoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway as well as the protective effect of exendin-4

► The expression of ERp46 decreased treated with palmitic acid. ► ERp46 might be an anti-apoptotic factor involved in PA-induced apoptosis process. ► ERp46 protects βTC6 cells from apoptosis through alleviating ER stress response. ► Exendin-4 protects against lipoapoptosis by activating the ERp46 signaling pathway.