Induction of ER stress protects gastric cancer cells against apoptosis induced by cisplatin and doxorubicin through activation of p38 MAPK

► Induction of ER stress renders chemo-resistance in gastric cancer cells. ► ER stress activates p38 MAP kinase pathway. ► ER stress-induced chemo-resistance could be overcome by blocking p38 activity. ► ER stress protects gastric cancer cells against apoptosis through activation of p38 MAPK.