NF-κB is a critical link between inflammation and cancer, but whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate its activation remains unknown. Here, we identify an NF-KappaB Interacting LncRNA (NKILA), which is upregulated by NF-κB, binds to NF-κB/IκB, and directly masks phosphorylation motifs of IκB, thereby inhibiting IKK-induced IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB activation. Unlike DNA that is dissociated from NF-κB by IκB, NKILA interacts with NF-κB/IκB to form a stable complex. Importantly, NKILA is essential to prevent over-activation of NF-κB pathway in inflammation-stimulated breast epithelial cells. Furthermore, low NKILA expression is associated with breast cancer metastasis and poor patient prognosis. Therefore, lncRNAs can directly interact with functional domains of signaling proteins, serving as a class of NF-κB modulators to suppress cancer metastasis.

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been employed to generate mutant alleles in a range of different organisms. However, so far there have not been reports of use of this system for efficient correction of a genetic disease. Here we show that mice with a dominant mutation in Crygc gene that causes cataracts could be rescued by coinjection into zygotes of Cas9 mRNA and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting the mutant allele. Correction occurred via homology-directed repair (HDR) based on an exogenously supplied oligonucleotide or the endogenous WT allele, with only rare evidence of off-target modifications. The resulting mice were fertile and able to transmit the corrected allele to their progeny. Thus, our study provides proof of principle for use of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to correct genetic disease.

The potential for avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks has increased in recent years. Thus, it is paramount to develop novel strategies to alleviate death rates. Here we show that avian influenza A H5N1-infected patients exhibit markedly increased serum levels of angiotensin II. High serum levels of angiotensin II appear to be linked to the severity and lethality of infection, at least in some patients. In experimental mouse models, infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 virus results in downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in the lung and increased serum angiotensin II levels. Genetic inactivation of ACE2 causes severe lung injury in H5N1-challenged mice, confirming a role of ACE2 in H5N1-induced lung pathologies. Administration of recombinant human ACE2 ameliorates avian influenza H5N1 virus-induced lung injury in mice. Our data link H5N1 virus-induced acute lung failure to ACE2 and provide a potential treatment strategy to address future flu pandemics.