Compositions And Methods For Epithelial Stem Cell Expansion And Culture

Abstract

Described are cell culture solutions and systems for epithelial stem cell and organoid cultures, formation of epithelial constructs and uses of the same in transplantation.

1 . A method of increasing leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) expression or numbers of LGR5 positive epithelial cells within epithelial tissue in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering CHIR99021 and valproic acid sodium salt to the subject in an amount sufficient to increase LGR5 expression or numbers of LGR5 positive epithelial cells within epithelial tissue, wherein the epithelial cells are present within an inner ear of the subject, thereby increasing LGR5 expression or numbers of LGR5 positive epithelial cells within the epithelial tissue in the subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti in the inner ear of the subject are damaged. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method increases proliferation of inner ear stem cells in the subject. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is human. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein CHIR99021 and valproic acid sodium salt are administered concomitantly. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , where CHIR99021 and valproic acid sodium salt are administered as a single composition. 
     
     
         5 . hod of  claim 5 , wherein CHIR99021 and valproic acid sodium salt are administered as separate compositions. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein CHIR99021 and acid sodium salt are administered sequentially.