New Mouse Lines that Drive Tetracycline-Controlled Gene Expression in a Small Subset of Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn Neurons.

Mouse lines with tetracycline-controlled gene expression in specific neuronal populations provide valuable tools for studying their development, function, connectivity and pathology in vivo. Our initial goal was to generate a mouse model that could express amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated genes specifically in spinal cord motor neurons under the control of the HB9 promoter. However, HB9-tTA mice unexpectedly direct target gene expression in a small subset of dorsal horn neurons. These mice represent a new tool for scientists who are interested in studying these spinal cord neurons.Significance Statement We have generated new mouse lines that can manipulate gene expression in a small subset of dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord. These new tools will be useful for scientists who are interested in studying the development, function, and connectivity of this small subset of spinal neurons in vivo.