Purpose of review: Hematopoiesis is an ordered developmental process that requires dynamic regulation to warrant proper response to physiological challenges and prevent malignancies. Long noncoding RNAs are emerging as key, multi-faceted regulators of gene expression. This review explores the function of lncRNAs in the control of HSC homeostasis and hematopoietic differentiation.
Recent findings: Multiple lncRNAs have been implicated in maintaining HSC stemness and enabling progenitors to carry out the correct programs of lineage differentiation. Specific lncRNAs have been identified that regulate the differentiation of multipotent progenitors into terminally differentiated blood cells. These lncRNAs predominantly act by assisting master regulators that drive specific differentiation programs, either by enhancing or repressing the transcription of particular genomic loci.
Summary: Long noncoding RNAs contribute to the correct differentiation and maturation of various hematopoietic lineages by assisting with the activation of transcriptional programs in a time- and cell-dependent manner.
Keywords: HSC; Hematopoiesis; cell fate; differentiation; long noncoding RNA.