Dlx1^{tm1(cre/ERT2)Zjh}

A targeting vector was designed to insert a CreERT2 fusion gene, an SV40 polyA signal, and an frt-flanked neo cassette into the initiation codon of the distal-less homeobox 1 locus (Dlx1). The construct was electroporated into (C57BL/6 x 129S4Sv/Jae)-derived V6.5 embryonic stem (ES) cells. Correctly targeted ES cells were injected into recipient blastocysts and chimeric mice were bred with C57BL/6 mice to originate the colony. The mutation is predicted to result in a null allele. Tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase activity recapitulates the endogenous Dlx1 expression pattern, Following tamoxifen administration, Cre recombinase activity is observed in Dlx1 positive cortical GABAergic neurons, striatal neurons, and olfactory neurons. (J:151755)