Diverse roles of stress-responsive RNP granules in oogenesis and infertility

Effectively responding to cellular stress (e.g., nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress) is essential for cell and organismal survival. A protective mechanism is especially critical in developing oocytes, where a prolonged quiescent state and the inability to divide render oocytes highly susceptible to accumulating stress that can result in cell death if unaddressed. Despite the common view that stress granules are the primary stress-responsive ribonucleoprotein granule, accumulating evidence shows that in ovaries, other ribonucleoprotein granules also uniquely mediate gene regulation in response to stress. Here, we review recent insights into ribonucleoprotein granule dynamics and ribonucleoprotein granule protein function during stress in the context of oogenesis among both invertebrates and vertebrates, with an emphasis on insights from Drosophila and mice. We also discuss roles for stress-responsive ribonucleoproteins in maintaining stem cell populations and complicating fertility treatments. By exploring how stress-induced ribonucleoprotein dynamics can impact oogenesis, both positively and negatively, we can better understand how stress contributes to reduced fecundity and infertility. We conclude by offering key research questions that can drive the next generation of insights.