Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but play critical roles in gene regulation. Recent advances in genomics have revealed that lncRNAs form extensive networks of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes with chromatin regulators, targeting these activities to specific genomic regions. LncRNAs function as modular scaffolds to organize RNP complexes and chromatin states, influencing gene expression. Their roles are essential across all kingdoms of life, highlighting their importance in genetic regulation. The discovery of lncRNAs has been facilitated by genome-wide strategies, including chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq), which has identified numerous lncRNA genes. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has further enabled the unbiased identification of non-coding transcripts across various cell types and tissues. These studies have revealed that lncRNAs are often located in intergenic regions and are conserved across evolution, suggesting their functional significance. LncRNAs can act as decoys, scaffolds, or guides, interacting with proteins and chromatin to regulate gene expression. For example, Xist RNA is involved in X chromosome inactivation, while HOTAIR regulates chromatin modifications. LncRNAs also play roles in disease, such as cancer, where they can influence tumor progression and metastasis. Their stability in body fluids makes them potential biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis. The functional roles of lncRNAs are increasingly understood through studies of their interactions with chromatin modifying complexes, such as PRC2 and LSD1. These interactions are crucial for gene silencing and other regulatory processes. Additionally, lncRNAs can influence enhancer activity and gene expression by interacting with transcription factors and other proteins. Overall, lncRNAs are emerging as key regulators in gene expression, with diverse mechanisms that include chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, and disease-related functions. Understanding their roles is essential for elucidating the complex regulatory networks that govern cellular processes.Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but play critical roles in gene regulation. Recent advances in genomics have revealed that lncRNAs form extensive networks of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes with chromatin regulators, targeting these activities to specific genomic regions. LncRNAs function as modular scaffolds to organize RNP complexes and chromatin states, influencing gene expression. Their roles are essential across all kingdoms of life, highlighting their importance in genetic regulation. The discovery of lncRNAs has been facilitated by genome-wide strategies, including chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq), which has identified numerous lncRNA genes. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has further enabled the unbiased identification of non-coding transcripts across various cell types and tissues. These studies have revealed that lncRNAs are often located in intergenic regions and are conserved across evolution, suggesting their functional significance. LncRNAs can act as decoys, scaffolds, or guides, interacting with proteins and chromatin to regulate gene expression. For example, Xist RNA is involved in X chromosome inactivation, while HOTAIR regulates chromatin modifications. LncRNAs also play roles in disease, such as cancer, where they can influence tumor progression and metastasis. Their stability in body fluids makes them potential biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis. The functional roles of lncRNAs are increasingly understood through studies of their interactions with chromatin modifying complexes, such as PRC2 and LSD1. These interactions are crucial for gene silencing and other regulatory processes. Additionally, lncRNAs can influence enhancer activity and gene expression by interacting with transcription factors and other proteins. Overall, lncRNAs are emerging as key regulators in gene expression, with diverse mechanisms that include chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, and disease-related functions. Understanding their roles is essential for elucidating the complex regulatory networks that govern cellular processes.