ATF2 and neoplasm: ATF2 is a member of the activator protein-1 complex, and has important roles in cellular stress responses in many cell types.57, 58 ATF2 activates the CHOP pathway during ER stress and induces cell apoptosis.59 Moreover, the PKC pathway regulates ATF2 and attenuates apoptosis in tumor-suppressing functions.60 Our data in this study suggest that adiponectin inhibited ER stress-induced adipocyte apoptosis via activating the AMPK/PKC pathway to reduce ATF2 expression, demonstrating that ATF2 is essential for the inhibitory effect of adiponectin on adipocyte apoptosis.