Glast-expressing progenitor cells contribute to heterotopic ossification

► Both FoxD1-cre and Glast-creERT labeled cells contribute broadly to different normal tissues. ► FoxD1-cre labeled cells contribute to normal bone only. ► Glast-creERT labeled progenitors contributed only to HO. ► The cell populations that contribute to physiological bone formation may not participate in pathological HO. ► Identification of Glast-expressing cells as precursors that give rise to HO should help with therapeutic interventions.