Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a largely uncharacterized group of
non-coding RNAs with diverse regulatory roles in various biological
processes. Recent observations have elucidated the functional roles of
lncRNAs in cutaneous biology, e.g. in proliferation and
differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and in cutaneous wound
repair. Furthermore, the role of lncRNAs in keratinocyte-derived skin
cancers is emerging, especially in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
(cSCC), which presents a significant burden to health care services
worldwide and causes high mortality as metastatic disease. Elucidation
of the functions of keratinocyte-specific lncRNAs will improve
understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of epidermal disorders and
skin cancers and can be exploited in development of new diagnostic and
therapeutic applications for keratinocyte carcinomas. In this review, we
summarize the current evidence of functionally important lncRNAs in
cutaneous biology and in keratinocyte carcinomas.