The podocyte plays a key role in glomerular function and glomerular disease. To facilitate
studies of podocyte function, we have developed a transgenic mouse model with inducible
expression in the podocyte. The tetracycline-inducible transgenic system facilitates gene
expression with restricted cellular distribution and tight temporal control. Recently, Bujard
and colleagues have developed a functionally improved reverse tetracycline–controlled
transcriptional activator (rtTA) with substantially lower background in the off state (the …