CaltechAUTHORS
Published March 3, 2023 | Version public
Journal Article Metadata-only

Long non-coding RNAs: definitions, functions, challenges and recommendations

Creators

  • 1. ROR icon UNSW Sydney
  • 2. ROR icon Institute of Education and Research
  • 3. ROR icon RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
  • 4. ROR icon Human Technopole
  • 5. ROR icon University of California, Santa Cruz
  • 6. ROR icon Stanford University
  • 7. ROR icon Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science
  • 8. ROR icon Institute of Biophysics
  • 9. ROR icon John Innes Centre
  • 10. ROR icon University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • 11. ROR icon Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
  • 12. ROR icon California Institute of Technology
  • 13. ROR icon Osaka University
  • 14. ROR icon University of Navarra
  • 15. ROR icon Navarre Institute of Health Research
  • 16. ROR icon University College Dublin
  • 17. ROR icon University of Gothenburg
  • 18. ROR icon Huaqiao University
  • 19. ROR icon Massachusetts General Hospital
  • 20. ROR icon Harvard University
  • 21. ROR icon The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  • 22. ROR icon University of Queensland
  • 23. ROR icon New York University
  • 24. ROR icon Hokkaido University
  • 25. ROR icon University of Colorado Boulder
  • 26. ROR icon Weizmann Institute of Science
  • 27. ROR icon Genome Institute of Singapore
  • 28. ROR icon National University of Singapore
  • 29. ROR icon Baylor College of Medicine
  • 30. ROR icon Zhengzhou University
  • 31. ROR icon Henan Provincial People's Hospital

Abstract

Genes specifying long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) occupy a large fraction of the genomes of complex organisms. The term 'lncRNAs' encompasses RNA polymerase I (Pol I), Pol II and Pol III transcribed RNAs, and RNAs from processed introns. The various functions of lncRNAs and their many isoforms and interleaved relationships with other genes make lncRNA classification and annotation difficult. Most lncRNAs evolve more rapidly than protein-coding sequences, are cell type specific and regulate many aspects of cell differentiation and development and other physiological processes. Many lncRNAs associate with chromatin-modifying complexes, are transcribed from enhancers and nucleate phase separation of nuclear condensates and domains, indicating an intimate link between lncRNA expression and the spatial control of gene expression during development. lncRNAs also have important roles in the cytoplasm and beyond, including in the regulation of translation, metabolism and signalling. lncRNAs often have a modular structure and are rich in repeats, which are increasingly being shown to be relevant to their function. In this Consensus Statement, we address the definition and nomenclature of lncRNAs and their conservation, expression, phenotypic visibility, structure and functions. We also discuss research challenges and provide recommendations to advance the understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in development, cell biology and disease.

Additional Information

Contributions. All authors researched data for the article, made substantial contributions to discussion of the content and reviewed and/or edited the manuscript before submission. J.S.M. drafted the manuscript. The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional details

Identifiers

PMCID
PMC10213152
Eprint ID
119047
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20230203-893794600.55

Dates

Created
2023-03-03
Created from EPrint's datestamp field
Updated
2023-07-10
Created from EPrint's last_modified field

Caltech Custom Metadata

Caltech groups
Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE)