Long noncoding RNAs in development and cancer: potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Abstract

Long noncoding RNAs are emerging as key players in various fundamental biological processes. We highlight the
varied molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs modulate gene expression in diverse cellular contexts and their
role in early mammalian development in this review. Furthermore, it is being increasingly recognized that altered
expression of lncRNAs is specifically associated with tumorigenesis, tumor progression and metastasis. We discuss
various lncRNAs implicated in different cancer types with a focus on their clinical applications as potential
biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the pathology of diverse cancers.