Genetic mouse models for bone studies-Strengths and limitations

► This review explains first the different genetic strategies used to study gene function in vivo. ► The generation of loss and gain of function mouse models is explained, emphasizing advantages and limitations of such approaches. ► The most popular promoters used to achieve cell specificity in bone cells and in conditional knock-out models are described. ► A list of the main cre transgenic lines is provided. ► Precautions to be taken during the phenotypic analysis of these genetic models are given.