Long noncoding RNA(lncRNA) are a group of endogenous transcripts that are longer than 200 nucleotides, lack a specific complete open reading frame, and have no or limited protein-coding capacity. lncRNA are considered transcriptional “noise” because of their lack of biological functions. However, recent studies have revealed that lncRNA participate in genome organization and in life processes such as the growth and development, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of cells. Furthermore, lncRNA have been closely associated with the development of numerous diseases and are becoming the new direction of genome research. Previous research found that lncRNA are related to periodontal disease, oral premalignant lesions, and oral cancer. Over 60% of differently expressed lncRNA in cancer tissue can be found in oral cancer tissue. Therefore, lncRNA can be a biomarker and provide guidance for the clinical cure and prognosis of periodontal disease, oral premalignant lesion, and oral cancer.
