Experimental investigation of glioma biology and therapy requires a representative model and a convenient technique for regulating gene expression. We have established an in vivo model in which genetically modified rat C6 glioma cells (C6TL cells) are transplanted into nude mice brain, followed by specific transcriptional control of a transgene. Histologically, the tumors exhibit an astrocytic phenotype and closely resemble human malignant gliomas including diffuse brain invasion. Due to a stably integrated lacZ gene, individual tumor cells can be unequivocally identified in tissue sections by histochemistry for beta-galactosidase. Since C6TL cells carry the tet transactivator (tTA) gene, any additional gene under control of a tetracycline/tTA-responsive promoter can be transcriptionally regulated by the concentration of tetracycline. C6TL cells stably transfected with a tetracycline/tTA-responsive luciferase reporter gene showed 23-fold regulation of luciferase activity in vitro. After intracerebral transplantation a regulation of 4.5- to 8.3-fold was obtained, dependent on the concentration and the type of tetracycline in the drinking water. This model should be useful for studying the functional role of candidate genes in tumor biology as well as for experimental gene therapy studies.