Emerging trends in the disassembly of stress granules and P-bodies

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates, such as stress granules (SGs) and P-bodies (PBs), are composed of dynamic RNA-protein complexes that regulate the fate of cytoplasmic mRNA. The presence of these membrane-less structures is relevant for many biological processes and is well appreciated. Various studies have highlighted the biomolecules that play a role in the assembly and dissolution of these structures. Although the mechanisms of assembly and the composition of these condensates are well understood, recent studies have revealed new insights into dissolution mechanisms (either via clearance or disassembly). This review discusses our current understanding of the disassembly mechanisms of SGs and PBs and highlights the importance of addressing condensate disassembly mechanisms in neurodegeneration and cancer.