Ctv-a transgenic mice express the avian cell surface receptor (TVA) for subgroup A avian leukosis viruses and a beta-galactosidase (lacZ) reporter gene driven by the mouse 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3' phosphodiesterase (Cnp) promotor, resulting in expression of TVA exclusively in myelinating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Expression of TVA in these mice makes Cnp-expressing cells, such as OPCs, highly susceptible to infection by RCAS (replication-competent, avian leukosis virus LTR, splice acceptor) gene delivery machinery. Hemizygous and homozygous Ctv-a mice are viable and fertile with no overt phenotype. After exposure to RCAS-eGFP, EGFP was detected in all CNP-expressing cells isolated from Ctv-a transgenic brain tissue. &Beta;-galactosidase expression was confirmed to be in CNP-positive cells only; however, not all CNP-positive cells had measurable &Beta;-galactosidase. These mice may be useful when studying and tracking myelinating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), such as those that make-up glioma.

Ctv-a transgenic mice express the avian retroviral receptor TVA and a lacZ reporter gene driven by the mouse Cnp promotor. These mice may be useful for tracking and studying the function of myelinating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs).