Stress granules as central players in the plant stress response
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are conserved biomolecular condensates that assemble in response to environmental stress. SGs were initially described as sites of translational arrest containing stalled mRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). However, accumulating evidence indicates that SGs play a broader and more active role during stress responses. Rather than acting as passive repositories, SGs have emerged as dynamic hubs that contribute to the coordination of multiple cellular processes, enabling rapid adjustment to adverse conditions. In this context, studies in animal systems have redefined SGs as central hubs that coordinate key cellular processes, including signalling, cellular homeostasis, and metabolic adaptation. Similarly, emerging evidence in plants suggests that SGs function as important regulators of stress responses, contributing to the reorganization of cellular activities required for adaptation. Despite these advances, key questions remain regarding the mechanisms underlying SG assembly, selectivity, and functional outputs in plant cells.
Fields of Study & Subjects
RNA Research and Splicing
Plant Molecular Biology Research
RNA modifications and cancer
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Experimental Botany
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Publication date
- 16 June 2026
- Language
- EN