The functions and unique features of long intergenic non-coding RNA

Abstract

Long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) genes have diverse features that distinguish them from mRNA-encoding genes and exercise functions such as remodelling chromatin and genome architecture, RNA stabilization and transcription regulation, including enhancer-associated activity. Some genes currently annotated as encoding lincRNAs include small open reading frames (smORFs) and encode functional peptides and thus may be more properly classified as coding RNAs. lincRNAs may broadly serve to fine-tune the expression of neighbouring genes with remarkable tissue specificity through a diversity of mechanisms, highlighting our rapidly evolving understanding of the non-coding genome.

High LINC01605 expression predicts poor prognosis and promotes tumor progression via up-regulation of MMP9 in bladder cancer

“…Accumulating evidence have demonstrated that the function of lncRNAs could be either as an oncogene, or a tumor suppressor gene, or both involved in tumor prognosis and progression, depending on the circumstance(s) [13–15]. Amongst them, many lncRNAs, such as MALAT1, H19, and HOTAIR have been demonstrated as a critical regulator of carcinogenesis and development of many cancers [16–18].…”

Modulating the expression of long non‐coding RNA s for functional studies

“…Bioinformatic studies have annotated tens of thousands of lncRNAs—transcripts > 200 nt in length that do not appear to code for proteins—and such lncRNAs can be mapped to every chromosome . While certain lncRNAs are now known to play key roles in critical cellular processes —such as lncRNA XIST in X chromosome inactivation —the vast majority of lncRNAs have not been demonstrated to have significant biological functions. For this emerging field of research, an important next step is to identify which lncRNAs regulate important aspects of cell and molecular biology, and lncRNA loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function approaches are a mainstay for such discovery.…”

Long non‐coding RNA GAPLINC promotes angiogenesis by regulating miR‐211 under hypoxia in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

“…Accumulating evidence suggests that lncRNAs play important roles in the different biological process such as cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis and immune responses. Indeed, deregulation of lncRNA has been associated with different human diseases, including cancer, tumorigenesis and neurological diseases . LncRNAs are predominantly found in the cytoplasm and nucleus suggesting that lncRNAs regulate cell functions in both locations.…”

“…LncRNAs are predominantly found in the cytoplasm and nucleus suggesting that lncRNAs regulate cell functions in both locations. Indeed, studies have shown that lncRNAs can control gene expression by epigenetic regulation and also influencing transcription factors . Several aspects of lncRNA can be exploited for therapeutic purposes because of two major advantages.…”