Fig. 1

Diverse mechanisms of lncRNA function. Various studies have elucidated different mechanisms of function by lncRNA. One example of lncRNA for each mechanism is mentioned in the bracket. a) LncRNAs can function as decoys by binding to a transcription factor and preventing its action on the target DNA. b) LncRNAs modulate gene expression by recruiting chromatin modifiers. c) LncRNAs regulate various biological processes by being a part of RNP component, regulating the activity or localization of a particular protein and playing a structural role in organization within the nucleus. d) LncRNAs act as miRNA sponges by titrating the miRNAs away from their mRNA targets. e) LncRNAs modulate the translation and degradation of their mRNA targets. f) LncRNA can modulate the splicing of pre-mRNA. lncRNA, long non coding RNA; mRNA, messenger RNA; RNP, Ribonucleoprotein