Long non-coding RNAs and prostate cancer

A new class of transcripts, long non-coding RNAs (IncRNAs), has been recently found to be pervasively transcribed in the genome. These mRNA-like molecules, which lack significant protein-coding capacity, once thought to be a part of the dark matter, now have been implicated in a wide range of biological functions through diverse and as yet poorly understood molecular mechanisms. Multiple facets of evidence increasingly link mutations and dysregulations of IncRNAs to prostate cancer (PCA). Despite some recent insights into how IncRNAs function in such diverse cellular processes as regulation of gene expression and assembly of cellular structures, by and large, the key questions regarding IncRNA mechanisms remain to be answered. In this review, we analysis recent advances in understanding the biological functions of IncRNAs especially in PCA and propose avenues of investigation that may lead to fundamental new insights into their functions and mechanisms of action. Finally, as numerous IncRNAs are dysregulated and disorders in PCA, we also discuss potential roles for these molecules in PCA and hope that can be used in clinic by nanotechnology.