The human genome encodes thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Although 
most remain functionally uncharacterized biological "dark matter," lncRNAs have 
garnered considerable attention for their diverse roles in human biology, 
including developmental programs and tumor suppressor gene networks. As the 
number of lncRNAs associated with human disease grows, ongoing research efforts 
are focusing on their regulatory mechanisms. New technologies that enable 
enumeration of lncRNA interaction partners and determination of lncRNA structure 
are well positioned to drive deeper understanding of their functions and 
involvement in pathogenesis. In turn, lncRNAs may become targets for therapeutic 
intervention or new tools for biotechnology.