Regulated control of gene therapies with a drug induced switch

Abstract

To date, gene therapies for human application rely on engineered promoters that cannot be finely controlled. Here, we report a universal switch element that allows precise control for gene silencing or gene replacement after exposure to a small molecule. Importantly, these small molecule inducers are in human use, are orally bioavailable when given to animals or humans, and can reach both peripheral tissues and the brain. Moreover, the switch system (Xon) does not require the co-expression of any regulatory proteins. Using Xon, translation of desired elements for gene knockdown or gene replacement occurs after a single oral dose, and expression levels can be controlled by drug dose or in waves with repeat drug intake. This universal switch can provide temporal control of gene editing machinery and gene addition cassettes that can be adapted to cell biology applications and animal studies. Additionally, due to the oral bioavailability and safety of the drugs employed, the Xon switch provides an unprecedented opportunity to refine gene therapies for more appropriate human application.