Challenges in the analysis of long noncoding RNA functionality

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are emerging as important regulators of diverse biological functions. Although mechanistic models are starting to emerge, it is also clear that the lncRNA field needs appropriate model systems in order to better elucidate the functions of lncRNA and their roles in both physiological and pathological conditions. The field of lncRNA is new, and the biochemical and genetic methods used to address function and mechanisms of lncRNA have only recently been developed or adapted from techniques used to investigate protein-coding genes. In this review, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of available techniques for the analysis of chromatin-associated lncRNA and emerging models for the recruitment to specific genomic sites such as triple-helix, RNA-protein-DNA recognition and proximity-guided search models.