Background: Transcriptome analyses have revealed the presence of numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in mammalian cells. Many lncRNAs are expressed in development-, differentiation-, and disease-specific manners, suggesting their importance as cell regulators. Some nuclear lncRNAs are bound to specific genomic loci, either near or distant from their own transcription sites, and regulate gene expression in cis or trans. These lncRNAs recruit epigenetic factors, including the DNA methyl transferase and histone modification complex, and mediate both the 3D genome structure and nuclear domains. LncRNAs are now considered as an emerging member of epigenetic regulators. LncRNAs are dysregulated in various types of cancer and act as either oncogenic or tumor- suppressing factors. They are involved in virtually all of the cancer hallmarks and are potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Objective: In this review, we describe several representative lncRNAs and provide a current overview of the mechanisms by which lncRNAs participate in epigenetic regulation and contribute to cancer development.

背景：转录组分析揭示了哺乳动物细胞中存在大量长链非编码 RNA (lncRNA)。许多 lncRNA 以发育、分化和疾病特异性方式表达，表明它们作为细胞调节剂的重要性。一些核 lncRNA 与其自身转录位点附近或远处的特定基因组位点结合，并以顺式或反式调节基因表达。这些 lncRNA 招募表观遗传因子，包括 DNA 甲基转移酶和组蛋白修饰复合物，并介导 3D 基因组结构和核域。LncRNA 现在被认为是表观遗传调控的新兴成员。LncRNA 在各种类型的癌症中失调，并充当致癌或肿瘤抑制因子。

目的：在这篇综述中，我们描述了几种代表性的 lncRNA，并概述了 lncRNA 参与表观遗传调控和促进癌症发展的机制。