Chimeric receptors as gene switches

There is a recognized need for eukaryotic molecular gene switches that are tightly regulated by the administration of small molecule drugs. The modular nature of intracellular receptor proteins has allowed the recent development of chimeric receptors that fulfill this need. These switches will help dissect the roles that specific proteins play in signaling pathways, cell differentiation and development. Some of these switches will also be used in gene therapy to regulate therapeutic gene expression.