Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a newly recognized class of genes that can control cell fates. It was always assumed that lncRNAs are produced in the same manner as regular protein coding genes. This work revealed that a specialized production system for lncRNAs. This allows many lncRNAs to be produced or turn off together. Many lncRNAs important for embryonic stem cell biology are under this control system, and lncRNA production is also systematically affected in many human cancers.