Nathan E. Lewis

Cells communicate with each other using proteins, metabolites and other molecules, and these interactions determine the phenotypes we observe, from normal physiology to changes in neurodevelopment. For any condition, we can now infer which cells are communicating with each other, and even identify the molecules mediating this communication using single-cell technologies and bioinformatic tools such as our Tensor-cell2cell package. Using a multi-omics approach, we have been able to identify the molecular pathways involved in altered neurodevelopment in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

We then conducted single-cell analysis of Brain Cortical Organoids (BCOs) from iPSCs of autistic or controls with ASD gene mutations introduced. Through this we identified the specific signaling pathways and cell types involved in ASD neurodevelopment. When we then studied the cells from a zebra finch model of ASD vocal stereotypies, we subsequently identified candidate gene targets involved in intercellular communication. By targeting these pathways, we restored typical vocalization. Thus, using single-cell omics to study intercellular communication, we could disentangle the molecular, cellular and functional alterations in communication, thus presenting potential therapeutic avenues for difficult symptoms of complex neurodevelopmental differences.

Prof. Lewis is a GRA Eminent Scholar and Professor at the Center for Molecular Medicine, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Georgia. He leads a lab focused on using and developing systems biology and cell engineering methods to study immunological and neurodevelopmental disorders, along with the development and manufacturing of biologics. These efforts are supported by his team's work studying the protein secretion pathway, metabolism, glycosylation, and cell-cell communication, all of which guides their efforts to enhance the production of biologics, including protein drugs, gene therapies and cell therapies.

• Time: 11 AM
• Location: 206 Furnas Hall