Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing organoids in the absence of any exogenous extracellular matrix or in the presence of an exogenous extracellular matrix at a concentration lower than gelling concentration, using microcontainers sealed with a hydrogel lid as well as organoids produced by this technique.

Abstract: A method of growing primary human epithelial cells, in particular human epithelial cells using a basal formula containing individual (a) amino acids, (b) vitamins, (c) trace elements, and (d) other organics such as linoleic acid. The basal medium may be a mixture of amino acids, vitamins, and salts that constitute the basic media that is used to culture epithelial cells over a number of population doublings, e.g., over at least one week, while maintaining a normal phenotype and exerting low stress on the cultured cells, and maintaining lineage heterogeneity.

Abstract: A method of growing primary human epithelial cells, in particular human epithelial cells using a basal formula containing individual (a) amino acids, (b) vitamins, (c) trace elements, and (d) other organics such as linoleic acid. The basal medium may be a mixture of amino acids, vitamins, and salts that constitute the basic media that is used to culture epithelial cells over a number of population doublings, e.g., over at least one week, while maintaining a normal phenotype and exerting low stress on the cultured cells, and maintaining lineage heterogeneity.

Abstract: A combinatorial elastic modulus-modified microenvironment microarray (eMEArray) platform and methods for cell-based functional screening of interactions with combinatorial microenvironments. The platform and methods allow for simultaneous control of the molecular composition and the elastic modulus, and combines the use of microarray and micropatterning technologies. The eMEArrays have been used to show that the microenvironment has effects on drug-cell interactions and contributes to therapeutic response.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for enhancing the contribution of circulating stem cells to a target tissue. Such methods may be useful for treating a variety of disorders. In a preferred embodiments, circulating stem cell contribution is enhanced by causing damage to the target tissue, or by administering an agent that mimics an aspect of a damage response. The disclosure also provides methods for monitoring the contribution of circulating stem cells to a target tissue, and for developing agents that modulate such contribution.