Interaction between long non-coding RNA and microRNA in lung diseases

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs are a group of RNAs that cannot synthesize proteins, but are critical in the regulation of gene expression. A growing number of studies discovered that miRNAs and lncRNAs, as the two major members of the ncRNA family, play vital roles in regulating the physiological and pathological processes of lung diseases, such as pneumonia, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), lung cancer, and asthma. These interactions are intricately linked to the the regulation of immune response, cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell differentiation and polarization, cytokine secretion, or acts as tumor suppressors or promoters. Understanding the role of ncRNAs in lung diseases might provide novel insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we will go over the fundamental characteristics and functions of miRNAs and lncRNAs, their potential interaction mechanisms, then summarize the newly explorations on the role of these interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs in various lung diseases.