Stress granules may prevent cell death by lowering harmful reactive oxygen levels

Stress granules (SGs) are critical for controlling cell fate under stress conditions by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.

• Cells can either undergo programmed cell death or repair themselves after environmental stress.
• SGs help prevent apoptosis by suppressing the rise of ROS, which can trigger cell death.
• G3BP1 and USP10 are key components of SGs that influence their antioxidant activity.
• G3BP1 inhibits USP10's antioxidant function, increasing steady-state ROS levels.
• After arsenite exposure, SG formation allows USP10 to exert its antioxidant effects.
• The antioxidant activity of USP10 is dependent on the protein kinase activity of ATM.

Simplified