Figure 4

Schematic diagram of the four mechanisms of lncRNAs functioning. A, lncRNAs can function as signals and regulate gene expression. B, lncRNAs can titrate transcription factors and other proteins away from chromatin or they can function as decoy for miRNA target sites. C, lncRNAs can recruit chromatin-modifying enzymes to target genes and therefore function as guides. D, lncRNAs can bring together multiple proteins to form ribonucleoprotein complexes (modified according to [143]).