Ascl3 knockout and cell ablation models reveal complexity of salivary gland maintenance and regeneration

► Ascl3+ cells are proliferating progenitors of acinar and duct cells. ► Knockout of Ascl3 does not alter the bipotency of the progenitor cells. ► Salivary glands develop in the absence of ablated Ascl3+ progenitor cells. ► Ascl3+ progenitor cells are not required for regeneration of the salivary glands.