Published online May 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i2.134
Revised: January 22, 2014
Accepted: March 3, 2014
Published online: May 10, 2014
Processing time: 192 Days and 15.8 Hours
An overwhelming majority of the transcribed genome encodes for non-coding RNA (ncRNA) sequences. Deep sequencing of the transcriptome has uncovered tens of thousands of long ncRNA (lncRNA) sequences. However, little is known regarding the possible functions for a vast majority of these sequences. Among those lncRNAs whose function has been experimentally validated, most serve as regulators of gene expression. LncRNAs have been found to be critical to development and homeostasis and they have been implicated in several pathologies including cancer. Here, we examine the functions and underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in stem cells and in cancer biology, areas linked by the actions of lncRNAs.
Core tip: We discuss long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in stem cells, where they are shown to be critical regulators of pluripotency and self-renewal. Next, we examine lncRNAs role in regulating the epigenome. Finally we summarize the suspected involvement of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis.