Long noncoding RNA: control of chromatin structure in muscle differentiation

The dynamic organization of chromatin plays a critical role in regulating muscle cell differentiation. Among the molecular elements influencing chromatin architecture, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators due to their capacity to act as scaffolds, recruiters of chromatin-modifying proteins, or as transcriptional enhancers. This review aims to explore the mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence chromatin structure in the context of skeletal muscle differentiation. We classified the functional roles of lncRNAs into three main strategies: recruitment of epigenetic modifiers, assembly of transcriptional scaffolds, and regulation through enhancer-like activity. We provide specific examples of lncRNAs associated with these mechanisms and discuss their involvement in the control of myogenic gene expression. These findings highlight the complexity and specificity of lncRNA-mediated chromatin remodeling and suggest their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention in muscle-related disorders.