Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been attracting immense research interest, 
while only a handful of lncRNAs have been characterized thoroughly. Their 
involvement in the fundamental cellular processes including regulate gene 
expression at epigenetics, transcription, and post-transcription highlighted a 
central role in cell homeostasis. However, lncRNAs studies are still at a 
relatively early stage, their definition, conservation, functions, and action 
mechanisms remain fairly complicated. Here, we give a systematic and 
comprehensive summary of the existing knowledge of lncRNAs in order to provide a 
better understanding of this new studying field. lncRNAs play important roles in 
brain development, neuron function and maintenance, and neurodegenerative 
diseases are becoming increasingly evident. In this review, we also highlighted 
recent studies related lncRNAs in central nervous system (CNS) development and 
neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's 
disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 
and elucidated some specific lncRNAs which may be important for understanding 
the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, also have the potential as 
therapeutic targets.