LincRNA

LincRNA or Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNA is a type of non-coding RNA that is transcribed from the genome but does not encode for protein. LincRNAs are typically longer than 200 nucleotides and are found in the intergenic regions of the genome, hence the name. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including gene regulation, cell differentiation, and disease progression.

Function

LincRNAs are involved in the regulation of gene expression at various levels, including chromatin modification, transcription, and post-transcriptional processing. They can interact with DNA, RNA, and protein to exert their regulatory functions. Some lincRNAs act as molecular scaffolds, bringing together multiple proteins to form ribonucleoprotein complexes.

Role in Disease

Abnormal expression of lincRNAs has been associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. For example, the lincRNA HOTAIR is overexpressed in several types of cancer and is associated with poor prognosis.

Research and Clinical Applications

Given their role in disease, lincRNAs are being explored as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers. For example, inhibiting the function of disease-associated lincRNAs could potentially halt disease progression. Similarly, the expression levels of certain lincRNAs in body fluids could be used as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

See Also

• Non-coding RNA
• Gene regulation
• Chromatin modification
• Transcription (genetics)
• Post-transcriptional processing
• Ribonucleoprotein
• Cancer
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Biomarkers