About this Research Topic
Stress granules contribute to a plethora of human diseases, although it is still unclear the role of these granules in physiological and pathological conditions ranging from viral infections to neurodegeneration and encompassing various cancers. While in some cases, the ability to form stress granules is beneficial, as during viral infections where it elicits innate immune response, in other cases, it may be detrimental, such as in cancer and protein aggregation induced neurodegeneration.
The assembly, disintegration and modulation of stress granules are tightly regulated processes in a cellular milieu. Proteins like GBP1 and GBP2 have been found to be required for assembly of stress granules interestingly with dyneins and microtubules. There is still more left to be unearthed about the functionality of stress granules as they are not passive bystanders of a stress condition, rather are an active participant in the stressful scenario. Breakthrough understanding of the mechanisms controlling and regulating these susceptible, dynamic and labile areas of cells are key to modulate disease-related pathways and target them effectively.
The aim of the current Research Topic is to provide a framework to address the relevant queries that are still underway in relation to the development, organization and disassembly of stress granules in addition to the clearance. We welcome contributions that fall under, but are not limited to, the following topics:
• Mechanisms of stress granule formation
• Ways of disintegration and clearance
• Pharmacological modulators of stress granules
• Stress granules in physiological and pathological conditions
• Role of stress granules in diseases
Keywords: Stress granules, RNA binding proteins, Autophagy, Cell survival strategies
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