A feeder cell-free cell culture comprising a plurality of VSELs, one or more ex vivo expanded VSELs, and a culture medium, wherein the culture medium comprises a bovine serum or a serum replacement, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor selected from the group consisting of valproic acid (VPA), nicotinic acid (NA), and nicotinamide (NAM), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and optionally transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), which together are present in an effective amount to overcome quiescence of the VSELs, resulting in expansion of the VSELs.