Abstract: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a group of functional RNA molecules, which is more than 200 nucleotides in length, lacks ability of encoding protein and participates in all aspects of gene regulation. The current studies have indicated that some lncRNAs take part in regulating the process of breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression. This article reviewed the abnormal expression of lncRNA in breast cancer, its relationship to breast cancer growth, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, and its function in early diagnosis, drug resistance and prognosis of breast cancer. This review was expected to offer an insight into a new target for the prediction, diagnosis and individual treatment of breast cancer.

Key words: Long non-coding RNA, Breast cancer, Tumorigenesis, Progression, Molecular marker