From the halophilic bacteria to human, cells have to survive under the stresses of harsh environments. Hyperosmotic stress is a process that triggers cell shrinkage, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis and it potentially contributes to a number of human diseases. Remarkably, by high salts and organic solutes concentrations, a variety of organisms struggle with these conditions. Different strategies have been developed for cellular osmotic adaptations among which organic osmolyte synthesis/accumulation is a conserved once. Osmolytes are naturally occurring solutes used by cells of several halophilic (micro) organisms to preserve cell volume and function.

In this review, the osmolytes diversity and their protective roles in harsh hyperosmolar environments from bacteria to human cells are highlighted. Moreover, it provides a close look at mammalian kidney osmoregulation at a molecular level. This review provides a concise view on the recent developments and advancements on the applications of osmolytes. Identification of disease-related osmolytes and their targeted-delivery may be used as a therapeutic measurement for treatment of the pathological conditions and the inherited diseases related to protein misfolding and aggregation. The molecular and cellular aspects of cell adaptation against harsh environmental osmolarity will benefit the development of effective drugs for many diseases.

从嗜盐细菌到人类，细胞必须在恶劣环境下生存。高渗应激是触发细胞收缩，氧化应激，DNA损伤和细胞凋亡的过程，它可能导致多种人类疾病。值得注意的是，由于高盐和有机溶质的浓度，各种生物都在这些条件下挣扎。已经开发出用于细胞渗透适应的不同策略，其中有机渗透压合成/积累是一次保守的。渗透液是几种嗜盐（微生物）细胞用于维持细胞体积和功能的天然溶质。

在这篇综述中，重点介绍了渗透菌的多样性及其在从细菌到人类细胞的恶劣高渗环境中的保护作用。而且，它在分子水平上提供了对哺乳动物肾脏渗透调节作用的仔细观察。这篇综述简要介绍了渗透压应用的最新发展和进步。疾病相关渗透质的鉴定及其靶向递送可以用作治疗措施，用于治疗病理状况以及与蛋白质错误折叠和聚集有关的遗传性疾病。细胞适应恶劣的环境渗透压的分子和细胞方面将有益于开发用于许多疾病的有效药物。