Classification of lncRNA functions. (A) LncRNAs can recruit different protein components of the chromatin remodelling complex to change the chromatin organizational patterns. (B) They can act as 'sponges' by base pairing with their complementary miRNAs and reducing their effects. (C) LncRNAs can play scaffolding roles by providing docking sites for proteins that function together in the same biological pathway. (D) They activate transcription of certain genes by guiding transcription factors to their promoters. (E) LncRNAs are capable of suppressing transcription by sequestering transcription factors and keeping them away from their promoters. They can modulate mRNA functioning through base pairing with them and (F) inhibiting their translation (G) altering their splicing patterns and (H) subjecting them to degradative pathways.

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