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Updated: Oct 20, 2025
Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules
Published on: May 12, 2017
The Emerging Role of Stress Granules in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Dobrochna Dolicka1, Michelangelo Foti1, Cyril Sobolewski1
1Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Stress granules (SGs) are small membrane-free cytosolic liquid-phase ordered entities in which mRNAs are protected and translationally silenced during cellular adaptation to harmful conditions (e.g., hypoxia, oxidative stress). This function is achieved by structural and functional SG components such as scaffold proteins and RNA-binding proteins controlling the fate of mRNAs. Increasing evidence indicates that the capacity of cells to assemble/disassemble functional SGs may significantly impact the onset and the development of metabolic and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancers. In the liver, the abnormal expression of SG components and formation of SG occur with chronic liver diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and selective hepatic resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Although, the role of SG in these diseases is still debated, the modulation of SG assembly/disassembly or targeting the expression/activity of specific SG components may represent appealing strategies to treat hepatic disorders and potentially cancer. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge about pathophysiological functions of SGs in HCC as well as available molecular tools and drugs capable of modulating SG formation and functions for therapeutic purposes.
Insights
Stress granules (SGs) protect mRNAs during cellular stress. Modulating SG formation may offer new therapeutic strategies for liver diseases and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Stress granules (SGs) are cytosolic aggregates of proteins and RNA.
- They play a role in cellular adaptation to stress by regulating mRNA fate.
- Dysregulation of SGs is implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiological functions of SGs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To discuss molecular tools and drugs for modulating SG formation and function.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting SGs in hepatic disorders and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on stress granules.
- Analysis of the role of SG components in disease pathogenesis.
- Evaluation of therapeutic agents targeting SG modulation.
Main Results:
- Abnormal SG component expression and formation are observed in liver diseases and HCC.
- SG assembly/disassembly capacity influences disease onset and progression.
- Targeting SG components shows potential for treating hepatic disorders and cancer.
Conclusions:
- SGs are crucial in cellular stress response and disease development.
- Modulating SG assembly/disassembly or targeting SG components presents promising therapeutic avenues.
- Further research into SG pathophysiology could lead to novel treatments for liver diseases and HCC.
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