摘要Objective This article aims to review recent studies on the biological characteristics of long non-coding RNAs (IncRNAs), transcription regulation by IncRNAs, and the results of recent studies on the mechanism of action of IncRNAs in tumor development.Data sources The data cited in this review were mainly obtained from the articles listed in PubMed and HighWire that were published from January 2002 to June 2010. The search terms were "long non-coding RNA", "gene regulation", and "tumor".Study selection The mechanism of IncRNAs in gene expression regulation, and tumors concerned with IncRNAs and the role of IncRNAs in oncogenesis.Results IncRNAs play an important role in transcription regulation by controlling chromatin remodeling, transcriptional control, and post-transcriptional controlling. IncRNAs are involved in many kinds of tumors and play key roles as both suppressing and promoting factors.Conclusion IncRNAs could perfectly regulate the balance of gene expression system and play important roles in oncogenic cellular transformation.