What is non coding RNA used for?

One application of non coding RNA is that they can be used as potential targets for therapeutic approaches. Strategies such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be used to modulate their expression or activity for treating diseases. There are currently over 18 RNA-based therapeutics that have received approval from FDA. These therapeutics primarily target gene modifications in the liver, muscle, or central nervous system. Both siRNAs and ASOs lead to the downregulation of specific genes, while certain ASOs target pre-mRNA splicing, inducing either exon skipping or inclusion. Another application is as disease biomarkers. Altered expression of ncRNAs is associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. They can serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. lncRNAs and miRNAs exhibit regulatory control over gene expression through diverse mechanisms. Studying the functions of lncRNAs provides valuable understanding into both the processes of normal development and the states of various diseases.