RNA-Protein complexes and their role in cell fate

RNA-protein interaction forms an important part of gene expression control in the form of post-transcriptional regulation. It affects key cellular processes, including cell fate-determining events such as self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells, stress response, and senescence. In this review, we present a discussion of RNA-protein complexes as biological continuum between the two ends of traditional, defined stoichiometric assemblies such as ribosomes, spliceosomes, and microRNA-induced silencing complexes (miRISCs) and non-stoichiometric biomolecular condensates such as stress granules, processing bodies, and germ granules, and how the two ends of the spectrum are connected through RNA-protein interactions and RNA modification. We also present how abnormalities in these processes lead to the development of pathological conditions. Finally, we touch upon the remaining unresolved questions in the field, as well as novel experimental approaches to address these questions, which may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities.