Col2CreER(T2), a mouse model for a chondrocyte-specific and inducible gene deletion

In 2007 and 2008, we published two articles reporting a tamoxifen (TM)-inducible, chondrocyte-specific gene-targeting mouse model in which the expression of CreER(T2) is driven by the type II collagen promoter (Col2CreER(T2)). The fusion protein is specifically expressed and translocated into the nucleus upon TM administration, which in turn triggers gene recombination. Since then, this animal model has become a powerful tool to study the molecular mechanism of skeletal development and degenerative cartilage diseases, including knee joint osteoarthritis (OA), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) OA, and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. In this review article, we summarise the application of Col2CreER(T2) mice and discuss the potential usage of this animal model in a broad spectrum of cartilage development and molecular pathology studies.