Genetic control of neuronal activity in mice conditionally expressing TRPV1.

ABSTRACT: Here we describe a knock-in mouse model for Cre-loxP-based conditional expression of TRPV1 in central nervous system neurons. Expression of Cre recombinase using biolistics, lentivirus or genetic intercrosses triggered heterologous expression of TRPV1 in a cell-specific manner. Application of the TRPV1 ligand capsaicin induced strong inward currents, triggered action potentials and activated stereotyped behaviors, allowing cell type-specific chemical genetic control of neuronal activity in vitro and in vivo.

SUBMITTER: Arenkiel BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3127246 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature