A targeting vector was designed to insert a CreERT2 fusion gene (Cre-ERT2; Cre recombinase fused to a G400V/M543A/L544A triple mutation of the human estrogen receptor ligand binding domain), an SV40 polyA signal, and an frt-flanked neo cassette into the initiation codon of the Dlx5 (distal-less homeobox 5) gene. This construct was electroporated into C57BL/6 embryonic stem (ES) cells. Correctly targeted ES cells were injected into recipient blastocysts and chimeric mice were bred with white C57BL/6 mice to originate the colony. Mutant mice were bred with Actin-FLPe mice (on a C57BL/6 congenic background (N10)) to remove the neo selection cassette. (J:151755)