Fig. 2.

Molecular interactions during lncRNA action. a As a signal: lncRNA action reflects the combinatorial actions of transcription factors (shown in green, red, and blue) or signaling pathways which dictate gene regulation in space and time. b As a decoy: lncRNAs titrate away the transcription factors or other proteins (shown in purple) from the genomic locus. c As a guide: lncRNAs can recruit chromatin-modifying complexes (shown in red) to target genes. d As a scaffold: lncRNAs can bring together multiple proteins (shown in green and orange) to form a ribonucleoprotein complex which then acts on the chromatin. e As an enhancer: lncRNAs can cause chromosomal looping