Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse and pervasive class of genes. Recent studies in the mammalian brain have uncovered several novel mechanisms. LncRNA loci are often located in proximity to developmental transcriptional factors. The lncRNA product may act like a transcription factor to control distantly located genes, or in other instances, the lncRNA loci contain DNA regulatory elements that act locally on neighboring genes. Circular RNAs are covalently closed single-stranded RNAs that can control neuronal function by acting as microRNA sponges and additional mechanisms. LncRNAs can also engage in target-directed microRNA degradation to shape the pool of microRNAs and translation. Thus, diverse mechanisms allow lncRNAs to act in the nucleus and cytoplasm to control neuronal fate and function.

长非编码RNA（lncRNA）是一类广泛且普遍的基因。哺乳动物大脑中的最新研究发现了几种新颖的机制。LncRNA基因座通常位于发育转录因子附近。lncRNA产物可像转录因子一样控制远处的基因，或者在其他情况下，lncRNA基因座包含可局部作用于邻近基因的DNA调控元件。环状RNA是共价闭合的单链RNA，可通过充当microRNA海绵和其他机制来控制神经元功能。LncRNA还可以参与针对靶点的microRNA降解，从而形成microRNA池并进行翻译。因此，多种机制允许lncRNA在细胞核和细胞质中起作用，以控制神经元的命运和功能。