Achaete Scute Complex Like Protein 3 (ASCL3)

Northern blot analysis detected a 0.8-kb transcript in mouse parotid, submaxillar, and sublingual salivary glands. Multiple transcripts were detected in testis. RNA dot blot analysis of mouse tissues showed highest Ascl3 expression in submaxillar gland. Much weaker expression was detected in testis and epididymis, and no expression was detected in any other mouse tissue examined. Human tissues showed a similar pattern of ASCL3 expression. In situ hybridization of mouse salivary glands showed Ascl3 expression in a subset of striated and excretory duct cells. Ascl3 expression was low in mouse parotid gland 1 day after birth, and it increased significantly at 1 week. Overall, expression of Ascl3 was higher in salivary glands of females than in males. Ascl3 localized to the nucleus of transfected fibroblasts.