Long noncoding RNAs in cancer cells

Long noncoding RNA (IncRNA) has recently been investigated as key modulators that regulate many biological processes in human cancers via diverse mechanisms. LncRNAs can interact with macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, or protein to exert cellular effects and to act as either tumor promoters or tumor suppressors in various malignancies. Moreover, the aberrant expression of IncRNAs may be detected in multiple cancer phenotypes by employing the rapidly developing modern gene chip technology and bioinformatics analysis. Herein, we highlight the mechanisms of action of IncRNAs, their functional cellular roles and their involvement in cancer progression. Finally, we provide an overview of recent progress in the IncRNA field and future potential for lncRNAs as cancer diagnostic markers and therapeutics. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.