Stress granules are dynamic assemblies of untranslating mRNPs that form in response to stress or viral infection. They are composed of various translation initiation factors, RNA binding proteins, and non-RNA binding proteins. Stress granules can be formed through interactions between mRNA binding proteins, including conventional protein-protein interactions and those involving intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins. The assembly and disassembly of stress granules are modulated by post-translational modifications, ATP-dependent remodeling complexes, and microtubule movement. Stress granules play a crucial role in modulating the stress response, viral infection, and signaling pathways. They can also affect mRNA localization, translation, and degradation. Persistent or aberrant stress granule formation contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and some cancers. Understanding the dynamics and functions of stress granules may lead to therapeutic interventions targeting their assembly or disassembly.Stress granules are dynamic assemblies of untranslating mRNPs that form in response to stress or viral infection. They are composed of various translation initiation factors, RNA binding proteins, and non-RNA binding proteins. Stress granules can be formed through interactions between mRNA binding proteins, including conventional protein-protein interactions and those involving intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins. The assembly and disassembly of stress granules are modulated by post-translational modifications, ATP-dependent remodeling complexes, and microtubule movement. Stress granules play a crucial role in modulating the stress response, viral infection, and signaling pathways. They can also affect mRNA localization, translation, and degradation. Persistent or aberrant stress granule formation contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and some cancers. Understanding the dynamics and functions of stress granules may lead to therapeutic interventions targeting their assembly or disassembly.