Figure 1.

Schematic representation of the molecular mechanisms of four categories of lncRNAs. A. Signaling molecules: such lncRNAs are transcribed in a time- or space-specific manner to respond to diverse stimuli and reflect the integrated actions of transcription factors; B. Molecular decoys: such lncRNAs bind and titrate away transcription factors, miRNAs or other targets from chromatin; C. Molecular guides: such lncRNAs can recruit chromatin-modifying enzymes to specific targets, either in cis or in trans; D. Molecular scaffolds: such lncRNAs can work as central platforms and assemble proteins to form architecture of ribonucleoprotein complexes.