Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in vital life processes of gene expression, epigenetic regulation and X-chromosome inactivation. lncRNAs are also closely associated with tumor initiation and progression. Moreover, lncRNAs may enter human circulation system in the form of microvesicle or exosome, or in combination with RNA binding protein. Interestingly, the circulating lncRNAs are widely existed in body fluids, such as blood and urine. We review the origin of circulating lncRNAs, and the detection methods as potential biomarkers. We focus on the early diagnosis value of circulating lncRNAs as tumor biomarkers in lung, breast, gastric, liver, colorectal and prostate cancers. Compared with the traditional biomarkers, the circulating lncRNAs show the unique advantages and clinical values as novel biomarkers.
长链非编码RNA (Long noncoding RNA，lncRNA) 被发现广泛参与基因表达、表观遗传调控和X 染色体失活等重要生命过程，还与肿瘤发生和发展密切相关。lncRNA 可能以微泡、外泌体或蛋白质复合物形式进入人体循环系统中，形成循环lncRNA 稳定而广泛存在于血液、尿液等体液中。文中简要回顾了近来关于循环lncRNA 的来源，以及作为生物标志物的检测方法，着重总结分析了循环lncRNA 作为潜在肿瘤生物标志物在肺癌、乳腺癌、胃癌、肝癌、结直肠癌和前列腺癌等常见恶性肿瘤中的早期诊断价值。与传统生物标志物相比，循环lncRNA 具有作为新型生物标志物的独特优势和临床应用价值。.
Keywords: biomarker; circulating lncRNA; molecular diagnosis; tumor.