Long noncoding RNAs:biological functions and applications in organ development and malignant tumors / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

Long noncoding RNAs( lncRNAs) are classified as transcripts >200 nucleotides in length with lit-tle or no evidence of protein-coding potential, and can regulate gene expression at various levels, including transcriptional regulation, posttranscriptional processing and so on.It has been widely involved in cell differentiation, individual develop-ment and other important life processes.Recent studies show lncRNA-related dysfunction plays critical roles in various dis-eases, indicating that lncRNA may serve as a new target for disease diagnosis and treatment.This review summarizes the functions of lncRNAs, including various modes of lncRNAs in regulating gene expression, the roles of lncRNAs in differen-tiation and development, and the connection between lncRNAs and malignant tumor.