Long non-coding RNA-mediated modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress under pathological conditions

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which ensues from an overwhelming protein folding capacity, activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) in an effort to restore cellular homeostasis. As ER stress is associated with numerous diseases, it is highly important to delineate the molecular mechanisms governing the ER stress to gain insight into the disease pathology. Long non-coding RNAs, transcripts with a length of over 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins, interact with proteins and nucleic acids, fine-tuning the UPR to restore ER homeostasis via various modes of actions. Dysregulation of specific lncRNAs is implicated in the progression of ER stress-related diseases, presenting these molecules as promising therapeutic targets. The comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of understanding the nuanced interplay between lncRNAs and ER stress for insights into disease mechanisms. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge, identifies research gaps and offers a roadmap for future investigations into the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in ER stress and associated diseases to shed light on their pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of related diseases.