The embryonic stem cell (ESC) transcriptional and epigenetic networks are 
controlled by a multilayer regulatory circuitry, including core transcription 
factors (TFs), posttranscriptional modifier microRNAs (miRNAs), and some other 
regulators. However, the role of large intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) in 
this regulatory circuitry and their underlying mechanism remains undefined. 
Here, we demonstrate that a lincRNA, linc-RoR, may function as a key competing 
endogenous RNA to link the network of miRNAs and core TFs, e.g., Oct4, Sox2, and 
Nanog. We show that linc-RoR shares miRNA-response elements with these core TFs 
and that linc-RoR prevents these core TFs from miRNA-mediated suppression in 
self-renewing human ESC. We suggest that linc-RoR forms a feedback loop with 
core TFs and miRNAs to regulate ESC maintenance and differentiation. These 
results may provide insights into the functional interactions of the components 
of genetic networks during development and may lead to new therapies for many 
diseases.