biostudies-literatureHu WNIDDK NIH HHSNHLBI NIH HHS2573-8https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3248679biostudies-literatureUnknown25(24)Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed under both normal and pathological conditions, implying that they may play important biological functions. Here we examined the expression of lncRNAs during erythropoiesis and identified an erythroid-specific lncRNA with anti-apoptotic activity. Inhibition of this lncRNA blocks erythroid differentiation and promotes apoptosis. Conversely, ectopic expression of this lncRNA can inhibit apoptosis in mouse erythroid cells. This lncRNA represses expression of Pycard, a proapoptotic gene, explaining in part the inhibition of programmed cell death. These findings reveal a novel layer of regulation of cell differentiation and apoptosis by a lncRNA.Genes & developmentLong noncoding RNA-mediated anti-apoptotic activity in murine erythroid terminal differentiation.PMC3248679DK068348R56 DK068348P01 HL0661055P01 HL066105R01 DK068348Lodish HFHu WYuan BFlygare JfalseLong noncoding RNA-mediated anti-apoptotic activity in murine erythroid terminal differentiation.Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed under both normal and pathological conditions, implying that they may play important biological functions. Here we examined the expression of lncRNAs during erythropoiesis and identified an erythroid-specific lncRNA with anti-apoptotic activity. Inhibition of this lncRNA blocks erythroid differentiation and promotes apoptosis. Conversely, ectopic expression of this lncRNA can inhibit apoptosis in mouse erythroid cells. This lncRNA represses expression of Pycard, a proapoptotic gene, explaining in part the inhibition of programmed cell death. These findings reveal a novel layer of regulation of cell differentiation and apoptosis by a lncRNA.2011-01-01T00:00:00Z2011 Dec2021-02-20T07:32:13Z2021-02-20T07:32:13ZS-EPMC32486792215592410.1101/gad.178780.111