Long Intergenic Noncoding RNAs Affect Biological Pathways Underlying Autoimmune and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are a class of independently transcribed molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not overlap known protein-coding genes. LincRNAs have diverse roles in gene expression and participate in a spectrum of biological processes. Dysregulation of lincRNA expression can abrogate cellular homeostasis, cell differentiation, and development and can also deregulate the immune and nervous systems. A growing body of literature indicates their important and multifaceted roles in the pathogenesis of several different diseases. Furthermore, certain lincRNAs can be considered potential therapeutic targets and valuable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers capable of predicting the onset of a disease, its degree of activity, or the progression phase. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms and molecular functions of lincRNAs in the pathogenesis of selected autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This summary can provide new ideas for future research, diagnosis, and treatment of these highly prevalent and devastating diseases.