Zhou S, Zhu Y, He Z, et al. - In order to determine the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) malignant progression, researchers performed RNA-sequencing on normal mucous, OSF and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues. Findings revealed the involvement of lncRNAs in the regulation of various stages of OSF development. Results also showed the participation of differentially expressed lncRNAs in inflammation signaling, Wnt signaling, angiogenesis, CCKR signaling, integrin signaling, PDGF signaling, p53 signaling, and EGF receptor signaling pathways. Five novel lncRNAs were found to be significant in OSF malignant development. Including HCG22, RP11-397A16.1, LINC00271, CTD-3179P9.1, and ZNF667-AS1, some lncRNAs have been earlier found to be related to OSCC pathogenesis. This is the first time when lncRNAs expression profile of malignant procession from OSF premalignant lesion to OSCC is comprehensively explained.