Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of transcripts larger than 200 nucleotides that are not translated to proteins. These transcripts regulate expression of numerous genes at different levels by acting as decoys, scaffolds, and enhancers. Thus they regulate cell development, differentiation and fate.
Objective: To find the role of lncRNAs in various diseases.
Methods: We searched PubMed and google scholar and summarized the data regarding the role of lncRNAs in cancer and neurologic disorders.
Results: Several recent studies have shown that their expressions are up-/down-regulated in malignant tissues. Consequently, they have suggested that lncRNAs can differentiate cancer samples from normal samples. Their application as biomarker is not limited to cancers. In several neurologic or psychiatric disorders researchers have found aberrant expression of lncRNAs.
Conclusions: Taken together, lncRNAs constitute a novel vast area of research to find answer to fundamental biologic questions.
Keywords: Long non-coding RNA; cancer; lncRNA.