A significant discovery from genome-wide biological research in the post-genomic era is that a substantial portion of the human genome, approximately two-thirds, does not code for proteins. Within this non-coding genomic landscape, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) stand out as a prominent class. These are regulatory RNA transcripts, exceeding 500 nucleotides in length, that do not translate into proteins. LncRNAs are now recognized as key players in virtually all aspects of cellular function, exerting fundamental regulatory control in both healthy and diseased cells. Consequently, their dysregulation is implicated in a wide spectrum of human diseases, ranging from cancer to autoimmune disorders, inflammatory conditions, and neurological diseases.
The development of many human diseases is influenced by the complex interplay between genes and environmental factors. In this context, a considerable body of evidence demonstrates that dietary intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins, significantly modulates the transcriptome, thereby affecting health outcomes. Vitamins possess a diverse range of biological activities, acting as crucial coenzymes, potent antioxidants, signaling hormones, and regulators of cell growth and blood coagulation. Emerging research is revealing intricate connections between vitamins and lncRNAs, suggesting that these molecules interact through multiple regulatory pathways. This type of interaction is biologically plausible, as lncRNAs are thought to function as environmental sensors in eukaryotic cells, analogous to riboswitches and other RNA molecules that act as molecular sensors in prokaryotic organisms.
This review aims to synthesize the current peer-reviewed scientific literature that has identified specific functional links between vitamins and lncRNAs, primarily focusing on studies in mammalian models and humans. We will provide a concise overview of the origin, metabolic pathways, and biological roles of the vitamins most frequently investigated in relation to lncRNA molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, we will discuss the published research findings that provide evidence for concrete connections between vitamins and lncRNAs, highlighting the emerging understanding of their interconnected regulatory roles.
