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

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.

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Affiliated Institutions

• University College Dublin IE
• University of Gothenburg SE
• Harvard University US
• Hokkaido University JP
• University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School US
• Agency for Science, Technology and Research SG
• Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory US
• California Institute of Technology US
• Norwich Research Park GB
• Universidad de Navarra ES
• Insper BR
• Genome Institute of Singapore SG
• University of Colorado Boulder US
• John Innes Centre GB
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute US
• Baylor College of Medicine US
• UNSW Sydney AU
• Weizmann Institute of Science IL
• Zhengzhou University CN
• Henan Provincial People's Hospital CN
• Massachusetts General Hospital US
• Chinese Academy of Sciences CN
• Institute of Biophysics CN
• The University of Queensland AU
• RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences JP
• University of California, Santa Cruz US
• Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science CN
• Stanford University US
• Ube Frontier University JP
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center US
• New York University US
• The University of Osaka JP
• Huaqiao University CN

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