Tamoxifen Inducible Cre
Since 1998, ingenious targeting laboratory has incorporated tamoxifen inducible Cre systems into hundreds of conditional knockout and knockin projects, providing researchers with precise temporal control over gene manipulation in adult animals.
Tamoxifen inducible Cre (CreERT2) enables gene deletion at any chosen time point, avoiding developmental compensation, bypassing embryonic lethality, and enabling study of gene function in mature tissues.
Custom CreERT2 mice — fixed-fee quote in 24 hours.
Custom CreERT2 / Cre-ERT2 driver lines, floxed alleles paired with CreERT2, and inducible conditional knockouts. 2,500+ projects shipped. Free scientific consultation.
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How much does a CreERT2 mouse model cost?
Pricing scales with whether you need a custom CreERT2 driver line, a floxed allele paired with an existing Cre line, or a fully integrated inducible conditional knockout. Add your work email above to get current pricing or request a fixed-fee quote in 24 hours. We deliver germline-confirmed founders.
What is the difference between Cre, Cre-ERT2, and CreERT2?
Cre is a constitutively active recombinase that excises loxP-flanked DNA. CreERT2 (also written Cre-ERT2 or Cre/ERT2) fuses Cre to a mutant estrogen receptor that sequesters the protein in the cytoplasm until tamoxifen is administered. Tamoxifen displaces HSP90 binding and lets CreERT2 enter the nucleus to perform recombination — giving you precise temporal control over gene deletion in adult animals.
How long does a custom CreERT2 mouse project take?
CreERT2 project timelines depend on allele complexity and whether you need a tissue-specific driver, a floxed allele, or both. Our scientific consultants scope an exact timeline during a free consultation. Many tissue-specific CreERT2 lines are also available from our catalog and ship from live colonies in weeks.
Do you have ready-to-ship CreERT2 driver lines?
Yes. Our catalog includes 14,774+ ready-to-ship genetically engineered mouse models including Rosa26-CreERT2 ubiquitous driver and tissue-specific CreERT2 lines. Search the catalog by tissue or gene to see live-colony availability.
How the CreERT2 System Works
CreERT2 Fusion Protein
Cre recombinase fused to mutant estrogen receptor that prevents binding of endogenous estrogen but retains affinity for synthetic ligands.
Cytoplasmic Sequestration
Without ligand, ERT2 domain associates with HSP90, sequestering CreERT2 in cytoplasm away from nuclear DNA.
Tamoxifen Induction
Tamoxifen administration displaces HSP90 and allows nuclear translocation of CreERT2, enabling LoxP recombination.
Permanent Recombination
CreERT2 activity is transient once tamoxifen clears, but recombination events are permanent genetic changes.
Advantages of Temporal Control
Bypass Embryonic Lethality
Genes essential for development can be deleted in adults after normal development is complete.
Avoid Developmental Compensation
Constitutive gene loss may trigger compensatory mechanisms. Adult deletion avoids this adaptation.
Defined Deletion Timing
Know exactly when gene deletion occurs relative to experimental manipulation.
Control Group Simplicity
Same genotype with and without tamoxifen provides matched controls.
Tamoxifen Administration Routes
Intraperitoneal Injection
Most common method. Tamoxifen dissolved in corn oil. Typical doses 75 to 100 mg/kg body weight.
Oral Gavage
Direct delivery to stomach. Similar dosing to IP.
Tamoxifen Chow
Convenient for extended dosing. 250 to 500 mg tamoxifen per kg diet. Less precise timing.
Topical (4 OHT)
4 hydroxytamoxifen applied topically for skin specific studies.
Tissue Specific Inducible Cre Lines
Ubiquitous
- Rosa26 CreERT2Ubiquitous
- UBC CreERT2Ubiquitin C promoter, widespread
Neuronal
- CamKII CreERT2Forebrain excitatory neurons
- Thy1 CreERT2Neurons
- Nestin CreERT2Neural progenitors
Metabolic
- Albumin CreERT2Hepatocytes
- Pdx1 CreERT2Pancreatic beta cells
- Adiponectin CreERT2Adipocytes
Cardiovascular
- Myh6 CreERT2Cardiomyocytes
- Cdh5 CreERT2Endothelial cells
What Researchers Say
“I've been working with iTL over the past 5 years in the production of 3 different genetically altered mice. Not only did iTL help in the design of the mice, but the entire process was transparent with the opportunity at any time along the way to discuss my questions or concerns with scientists who had significant insight into the process. The mice were delivered on time, as billed!”
— Raghu Mirmira, MD, PhD
University of Chicago
Start Your Inducible Cre Project
Our scientific consultants can help you select the optimal inducible Cre system, establish tamoxifen dosing protocols, and design floxed alleles for temporal gene control.
Frequently asked questions
Monitor Your Inducible Cre Project
Get real-time updates on your CreERT2 model development, floxed allele validation, and tamoxifen induction protocol optimization.