P-bodies (Processing bodies) and GW bodies (Gemmules and WD-repeat protein-containing bodies), also known as stress granules, are subcellular structures involved in the regulation of RNA metabolism. These distinct cytoplasmic structures play important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation, mRNA decay, and the cellular response to stress. P-bodies are structures composed of RNA molecules, proteins, and ribonucleoprotein complexes. They contain de-capping enzymes (e.g., DCP1/2), exonucleases (e.g., XRN1), RNA-binding proteins, translational repressors, and components of the miRNA machinery. They are primarily involved in the regulation of mRNA stability and turnover. One of their primary functions is the storage and degradation of mRNAs that are no longer needed or are targeted for decay. In P-bodies, mRNA molecules undergo de-capping, i.e., the removal of the 5' cap structure, followed by exonucleolytic degradation. P-bodies are also associated with translational repression. When mRNAs are sequestered into P-bodies, they are prevented from being translated into proteins. This is especially important during cellular stress or under conditions when cells seek to conserve energy away from protein synthesis. P-bodies are also involved in RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNA (miRNA) pathways. They contain key components of these pathways, such as Argonaute proteins, which play a role in miRNA-mediated gene silencing. P-bodies form through a process known as liquid-liquid phase separation. RNA molecules, particularly non-translating mRNAs, play a crucial role in driving the assembly of P-bodies. RNA-binding proteins and interactions between RNA molecules also help concentrate components into these structures. GW bodies contain a mixture of mRNAs, translation initiation factors, ribosomal subunits, and RNA-binding proteins. Notably, they often contain proteins rich in glycine and tryptophan residues, such as TIA-1 and TIAR, which are key components involved in stress granule formation. GW bodies are also referred to as stress granules, as they form in response to various cellular stresses, including heat shock, oxidative stress, viral infection, and nutrient deprivation. Their main role is in temporarily sequestering mRNAs that are stalled in translation initiation complexes during stress. During stress, translation initiation is impaired, leading to the accumulation of untranslated mRNAs in GW bodies. These granules therefore act as a protective mechanism, ensuring that mRNAs are not degraded and can be stored for later translation when the stress diminishes. GW bodies can also help sort mRNAs based on their translation status. Transcripts that are actively translating or undergoing degradation are excluded from GW bodies, whilst stalled mRNAs are sequestered into these granules. GW bodies form through a dynamic and reversible process. When cellular stress is alleviated, GW bodies disassemble, and translation resumes. This dynamic nature allows the cell to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Thus, P-bodies and GW bodies are subcellular structures with distinct functional and structural features. P-bodies are involved in mRNA de-capping, degradation, translation repression, and RNA silencing, whilst GW bodies (stress granules) are primarily associated with the cellular response to stress, mRNA storage, protection, and sorting. Explore our full P bodies and GW bodies product range below and discover more, for less.