Long noncoding RNAs: novel insights into gastric cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are functional RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides. Recent advances in the non-protein coding part of human genome analysis have discovered extensive transcription of large RNA transcripts that lack coding protein function, termed non-coding RNA (ncRNA). It is becoming evident that lncRNAs may be an important class of pervasive genes involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis. However, the biological and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in diverse diseases are not yet fully understood. Thus, it is anticipated that more efforts should be made to clarify the lncRNA world. Moreover, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that many lncRNAs are dysregulated in gastric cancer (GC) and closely related to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and prognosis or diagnosis. In this review, we will briefly outline the regulation and functional role of lncRNAs in GC. Finally, we discussed the potential of lncRNAs as prospective novel targets in GC treatment and biomarkers for GC diagnosis.