In many neurological disorders, multiple proteins are abnormally expressed, that can lead to brain pathologies. Preventing such pathologies to form would require manipulating the expression of abnormal levels of gene expression. To do so, we have developed an improved tetracycline (Tet)-dependent inducible gene expression system, with a reduced basal activity of the promoter and Tet-controlled graded gene expression. The improved Tet system was validated in cultured primary neurons, hippocampal organotypic slices, and mice hippocampi using recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors. By cell type and subregion specific inducible control of brain plasticity and neuroglial excitability, we aim to investigate disease onset and progression, and possibly also protection.