P-bodies and miRNA-mediated gene silencing: Context-dependent links between RISC, translational repression, mRNA...

P-bodies and the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) are vital in regulating post-transcriptional gene expression, with their association contributing to mRNA regulation in a context-dependent manner in cells. RISC is responsible for microRNA (miRNA)-guided target detection and translational repression, while P-bodies are versatile cytoplasmic RNA granules involved in storing, repressing translation, and degrading mRNA. Some studies show that the spatial relationship between the components of RISC and P-bodies is dynamic and context-dependent, shifting in response to specific cellular environments or stress states. This mini-review examines the context-dependent relationship between P-bodies and the RISC in regulating mRNA stability and fate, including degradation, translational repression, and long-term storage or decay under stress. It also covers recent discoveries regarding biomolecular condensates and the role of the RISC and P-body components in cancer and viral infections. Examining how the relationship between RISC and P-bodies may clarify how spatial organisation and mRNA regulatory pathways influence transcript fate.