Molecular function and regulation of long non-coding RNAs: paradigms with potential roles in cancer

Different long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed within the genome. Although initially argued to be spurious transcriptional noise, these RNAs play important roles in biological pathways, as shown by different studies. Also, there are some reports about the role of lncRNAs in different cancers. They can contribute to the development and progression of cancer by the functioning as oncogene or/and tumor suppressor molecules. In this review, we point to some important lncRNAs as examples which seem to be involved in cancer initiation/progression.