[In vivo functions of long non-coding RNAs]

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology

Context:

• Recent advances have identified numerous uncharacterized long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).
• Emerging evidence suggests lncRNAs play critical roles in biological processes.
• Dysregulation of lncRNAs is increasingly linked to various diseases.

Purpose:

• To review the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels.
• To discuss the involvement of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis and host defense.
• To highlight the importance of lncRNA-protein interactions in understanding lncRNA function.

Summary:

• lncRNAs regulate gene expression through diverse mechanisms, including interactions with DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Unlike small non-coding RNAs, lncRNAs primarily function by modulating protein activity or complex integrity.
• Deciphering lncRNA functions necessitates a focus on identifying and characterizing their interactions with proteins.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of lncRNA regulatory roles in gene expression.
• Elucidates the involvement of lncRNAs in disease pathogenesis, such as cancer.
• Establishes lncRNA-protein interactions as a critical area for future research in functional genomics.