Long noncoding RNAs in induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiation.

The breakthrough technology for reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has created a new path for science and medicine. The iPSC technology provides a powerful tool for elucidating the mechanisms of cellular differentiation and cell fate decision as well as to study targets and pathways relevant to pathological processes. As they can be generated from any person, iPSCs are a promising resource for regenerative medicine potentiating the possibility to discover new drugs in a high-throughput screening format and treat diseases through personalized cell therapy-based strategies. However, the reprogramming process is complex, and its regulation needs fine tuning. The regulatory mechanisms of cell reprogramming and differentiation are still not elucidated, but significant results show that multiple long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles. In this mini-review, we discuss the latest research on lncRNAs in iPSC stemness, neuronal, and cardiac differentiation.