Xiaojiao Cui, Yongming Zhang, Ren Mu, Huimin Wei, Min Li, Xingdong Wang
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in mammalian skeletal muscle development, moving beyond their initial characterization as transcriptional "noise". Unlike previous reviews that focus primarily on individual IncRNA catalogues, this review systematically integrates recent advances across five dimensions: (1) molecular characteristics and multidimensional classification of muscle related lncRNAs; (2) stage-specific expression patterns spanning embryonic myogenesis, postnatal growth, adult maintenance, and regeneration; (3) underlying molecular mechanisms including chromatin remodeling, ceRNA networks, IncRNA protein interactions, and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking; (4) pathological implications in muscular dystrophy, atrophy, and neuromuscular diseases; (5) translational applications in precision animal breeding. We critically evaluate the controversial ceRNA hypothesis and highlight quantitative limitations in current evidence. By integrating existing knowledge into a multi-layer regulatory network model and addressing current technical challenges and controversies (e.g., the ceRNA stoichiometry debate), this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for future basic research and translational applications in muscle biology.