An overview of long noncoding RNAs: Biology, functions, therapeutics, analysis methods, and bioinformatics tools

Abstract

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of RNAs whose functions are widespread in all branches of life and have been the focus of attention in the last decade. While a huge number of lncRNAs have been identified, there is still much work to be done and plenty to be learned. In the current review, we begin with the biogenesis and function of lncRNAs as they are involved in the different cellular processes from regulating the architecture of chromosomes to controlling translation and post‐translation modifications. Questions on how overexpression, mutations, or deficiency of lncRNAs can affect the cellular status and result in the pathogenesis of various human diseases are responded to. Besides, we allocate an overview of several studies, concerning the application of lncRNAs either as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or novel therapeutics. We also introduce the currently available techniques to explore details of lncRNAs such as their function, cellular localization, and structure. In the last section, as exponentially growing data in this area need to be gathered and organized in comprehensive databases, we have a particular focus on presenting general and specialized databases. Taken together, with this review, we aim to provide the latest information on different aspects of lncRNAs to highlight their importance in physiopathologic states and take a step towards helping future studies.

A prognostic aging-related lncRNA risk model correlates with the immune microenvironment in HCC

“…Abnormal sequences and expression levels of lncRNA are often linked to processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition [17], chemoradiotherapy sensitivity [18], and cell proliferation and migration [19]. Despite the recent surge in research on lncRNAs, the functions of numerous long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) remain unknown [20], especially their role in regulating the prognosis of liver cancer cells, which has been rarely researched.…”

Research progress on long non‑coding RNAs in non‑infectious spinal diseases (Review)

“…The majority of lncRNAs are similar in origin to mRNAs and are transcribed by RNA polymerase II. They also have the same structure as mRNAs ( 13 ); however, lncRNAs also have certain characteristics, although these are not unique to lncRNAs. lncRNAs account for >60% of all ncRNAs [certain studies report rates of >70% ( 14 ) or 70–90% ( 15 )], and most lncRNAs contain >2 exons ( 16 ).…”

“…Some lncRNAs, owing to their reverse splicing or lack of a 5′ cap, are readily connected with their own 3′ poly-A tail, generating circRNA ( 17 ). Numerous lncRNA genes have miRNA sequences embedded in their exons or introns, making them a source of miRNAs ( 13 ). A number of chemical modification methods exist for lncRNAs, including adenosine methylation, cytosine modification, uridine isomerisation, guanosine methylation and ribose modification ( 18 ), resulting in more complex ncRNA biogenesis.…”

Long Non-Coding RNA Signatures in Lymphopoiesis and Lymphoid Malignancies

“…According to their length, linear ncRNAs are also divided into two subgroups including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small ncRNAs (sncRNAs). Each of these categories plays a crucial role in a variety of biological processes, such as epigenetic regulation, chromatin remodeling, gene expression regulation, controlling cell differentiation, and modulating the immune system [ 4 , 7 ]. LncRNAs are greater than 200 nucleotides long and have a wide range of functions.…”

“…Tumor suppressor lncRNAs, on the other hand, suppress tumor growth by either inhibiting the expression of oncogenes or inducing the expression of tumor suppressor genes. In addition, these lncRNAs are involved in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and angiogenesis [ 7 ].…”