Stress granules in cancer: Adaptive dynamics and therapeutic implications
Yunlu Jia,
Ruyin Jia,
Zhengfeng Dai,
Jianbiao Zhou,
Jian Ruan,
WeeJoo Chng,
Zhen Cai,
Xiaochen Zhang
Affiliations
Yunlu Jia
Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
Ruyin Jia
The Second School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
Zhengfeng Dai
Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
Jianbiao Zhou
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Republic of Singapore
Jian Ruan
Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
WeeJoo Chng
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Republic of Singapore
Zhen Cai
Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Corresponding author
Xiaochen Zhang
Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Corresponding author
Summary: Stress granules (SGs), membrane-less cellular organelles formed via liquid-liquid phase separation, are central to how cells adapt to various stress conditions, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, nutrient scarcity, and hypoxia. Recent studies have underscored a significant link between SGs and the process of tumorigenesis, highlighting that proteins, associated components, and signaling pathways that facilitate SG formation are often upregulated in cancer. SGs play a key role in enhancing tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, while also inhibiting apoptosis, facilitating immune evasion, and driving metabolic reprogramming through multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, SGs have been identified as crucial elements in the development of resistance against chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy across a variety of cancer types. This review delves into the complex role of SGs in cancer development and resistance, bringing together the latest progress in the field and exploring new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
