Many studies have found increases in ER stress during diabetic conditions.67,68 Thapsigargin is a known chemical that induces ER stress by inhibiting the SERCA2b pump, causing changes in calcium levels.69 A study used thapsigargin, cytokine mix (IL1β, TNFα, and IFNy), or high glucose on SC-islets to study diabetes-associated stress.70 The authors compared the response of primary human islets and SC-islets to the previous conditions and found both exhibited increased genes associated with stress and immune interactions. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is diabetes mellitus.