The University of Massachusetts Medical School received a $540,524 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (CFDA 93.286 - Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health) to optimize and validate a synthetic RNA switch technology for precise control of gene therapy transgene expression. The project aims to develop an ultra-efficient, leak-free RNA switch based on the T3H38 ribozyme that can enable safe dosing and temporal regulation of gene therapies, including for treatments like erythropoietin for chronic anemia and broadly effective prophylactics against coronaviruses. This work builds on the researchers' prior development of a synthetic RNA on-switch with 200-fold regulation capability and seeks to further enhance the switch performance. The 4-year project period runs from March 2025 through February 2029.