Cited by 4,991Cancer-related molecular mechanisms researchRNA Research and SplicingGenomics and Chromatin Dynamics

Gene regulation by long non-coding RNAs and its biological functions

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Statello, Luisa, Guo, Chun-Jie, Chen, Ling-Ling, Huarte, Maite·2021·Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology

Abstract

Evidence accumulated over the past decade shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed and have key roles in gene regulation. Recent studies have begun to unravel how the biogenesis of lncRNAs is distinct from that of mRNAs and is linked with their specific subcellular localizations and functions. Depending on their localization and their specific interactions with DNA, RNA and proteins, lncRNAs can modulate chromatin function, regulate the assembly and function of membraneless nuclear bodies, alter the stability and translation of cytoplasmic mRNAs and interfere with signalling pathways. Many of these functions ultimately affect gene expression in diverse biological and physiopathological contexts, such as in neuronal disorders, immune responses and cancer. Tissue-specific and condition-specific expression patterns suggest that lncRNAs are potential biomarkers and provide a rationale to target them clinically. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms of lncRNA biogenesis, localization and functions in transcriptional, post-transcriptional and other modes of gene regulation, and their potential therapeutic applications.

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  1. [257]Engreitz JM RNA–RNA interactions enable specific targeting of noncoding RNAs to nascent pre-mRNAs and chromatin sites Cell 2014 159 188 199 25259926 PMC4177037
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Authors
Statello, L., Guo, C.-J., Chen, L.-L., & Huarte, M.
Affiliations
  • Navarre Institute of Health Research (ES)
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
Corresponding author
  • Chen, Ling-Ling
  • Huarte, Maite
Venue
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
Published
2020-12-22
Volume
22
Issue
2
Pages
96-118
ISSN
  • 1471-0072 (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-0080
OpenAlex
W3115880421
Cited by
4,991
References
295
Citations by year
2026: 641 · 2025: 894 · 2024: 1113 · 2023: 962 · 2022: 933 · 2021: 441 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2015: 1
FWCI
60.88
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute (55008728)
  • Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (31861143025, 31725009, 91940303)
  • European Regional Development Fund
  • Agencia Estatal de Investigación
  • H2020 European Research Council (771425)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cancer Research › Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA Research and Splicing
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
Keywords
long non-coding RNA, gene expression regulation, lncRNA biogenesis, chromatin regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, mRNA stability, translation (biology), signaling pathways, neuronal disorders, immune response, cancer, biomarkers, therapeutic target
MeSH terms
Animals, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Immune System Diseases, Neoplasms, Signal Transduction, RNA, Long Noncoding, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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