Long noncoding RNAs: pivotal regulators in acute myeloid leukemia

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as a class of pivotal regulators of gene expression. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs contribute to the initiation, maintenance, and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the lncRNAs that play critical roles in AML. We first briefly describe the characteristics of lncRNAs, and then focus on their regulatory roles in AML, including the modulation of differentiation, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. We further emphasize the action of lncRNAs during leukemogenesis by describing how they interact with RNA, protein and chromatin DNA to exert their functions. We also highlight an urgent need to investigate the mechanisms by which lncRNAs contribute to the pathogenesis of AML. Finally, we discuss the prognostic value of lncRNAs in AML patients.