Uncovering the roles of long noncoding RNAs in neural development and glioma progression

In the past decade, thousands of long noncoding RNA5 (lncRNAs) have been identified, and emerging data indicate that IncRNAs can have important biological functions and roles in human diseases including cancer. Many IncRNAs appear to be expressed specifically in the brain, and the roles of IncRNAs in neural stem cells (NSCs) and brain development are now beginning to be discovered. Here we review recent advances in understanding the diversity of IncRNA structure and functions in NSCs and brain development. NSCs in the adult mouse ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) generate new neurons throughout life, and we discuss how key elements of this adult neurogenic system have facilitated the discovery and functional characterization of known and novel IncRNAs. A review of lncRNAs described in other NSC systems reveals a variety of molecular mechanisms, including binding and recruitment of transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, and RNA-splicing factors. Finally, we review emerging evidence indicating that specific IncRNAs can be key drivers of glial tumors, and discuss next steps towards an in vivo understanding of IncRNA function in development and disease. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.