Hala Nicolas, PhD
img_Hala Nicolas
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Psychiatry
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Neuroscience [NEU]
Dr. Harony-Nicolas’s research aims to understand the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by using transgenic ASD rat models and applying behavioral and molecular neuroscience approaches, genome wide transcriptional analysis, and cutting-edge chemo-genetic tools. The long-term goal of her laboratory is to identify molecular targets for treatment and to uncover altered brain circuits that can be manipulated with circuit-specific non-invasive interventions.

Dr. Harony-Nicolas’s has recently characterized and validated a novel genetically modified rat model for ASD, the Shank3-deficient rats, and has demonstrated that the pro-social peptide oxytocin ameliorates behavioral and physiological deficits in this model (Harony-Nicolas et al., eLife, 2017). Her current studies are focused on unraveling the effect of ASD associated mutation on the oxytocin brain system and on brain circuits of social behavior leading to social behavior deficits.



BSc, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

MA, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

PhD, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

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Dr. Nicolas has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

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