Although prematurely baptized as non-coding, some lncRNAs encode polypeptides with regulatory functions that are implicated in various biological processes. Matsumoto et al. (2017) recently report in Nature that LINC00961 generates SPAR polypeptide that acts via the lysosome to suppress amino-acid-mediated mTORC1 activity, thereby modulating skeletal muscle regenerative response following injury.