Placental endoplasmic reticulum stress and acidosis: relevant aspects in gestational diabetes

Abstract

In this issue, Yung and colleagues (doi: 10.1007/s00125-016-4040-2) report endoplasmic reticulum stress in the placenta of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. With the use of a trophoblast-like cell line, these authors identify putative mechanisms involved in, and treatments to prevent the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Here, the relevance and possible implications of these findings and areas for further research are discussed.