Method for Two-Dimensional Epithelial Monolayer Formation Derived from Mouse Three-Dimensional Small Intestinal Organoids

The intestinal epithelium is composed of two distinct structures, namely, the villi and crypts. The base of the crypts contains intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which support the high regenerative capacity of the intestinal epithelium. With the establishment of the three-dimensional (3D) organoid culture method, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance of ISCs have been widely analyzed. However, the sphere-like morphology of the 3D organoids prevents access to the apical side of the epithelium. To overcome this limitation, two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures derived from 3D organoids have been attempted; however, 2D culture methods for the mouse small intestine have not been well established. In this study, we developed a simple method that uses only commercially available materials, for the formation of 2D epithelial monolayers from mouse 3D small intestinal organoids. Using this method, confluent 2D epithelial monolayers were established within 4 days. This monolayer showed stable tight junction and included ISCs and differentiated intestinal cells. It also showed physiologically relevant transepithelial electrical resistance values. On the basis of these findings, this method opens a novel platform for analyzing the physiology of the intestinal epithelium, its interaction with microbes, and mechanisms of villus formation.