Structure-activity relationships influencing lipid-induced changes in eIF2α phosphorylation and cell viability in BRIN-BD11 cells

► Fatty acids influence cell viability differentially. ► Saturates promote ER stress; this is opposed by unsaturates which are cytoprotective. ► These effects correlate with changes in eIF2α phosphorylation. ► They are not dependent on FFA chain length or degree of unsaturation. ► Results suggest that responses are unlikely to be due solely to physical properties.