Application of CRISPR-Cas9 for Long Noncoding RNA Genes in Cancer Research.

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNA), a class of transcripts with lengths >200 nt, play a master role in the regulation of cancer pathogenesis. Recently, the CRISPR-Cas9 system has been explored as a revolutionary genome editing tool for molecular biology. Growing evidence shows that LncRNAs can be targeted by the CRISPR-Cas9 system used for evaluating its function. Thus, the CRISPR-Cas9 systems provide a novel gene-editing strategy for the modification of LncRNA expression. This review summarizes current knowledge of the functions and underlying mechanisms of LncRNA by CRISPR-Cas9. Emerging strategies for non-viral/viral delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 in a clinical context are also discussed.