Biography
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Hala Nicolas, PhD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Psychiatry
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Psychiatry
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
Research
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.
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.
Education
BSc, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
MA, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
PhD, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Office Locations
Industry Relationships
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.
Dr. Nicolas has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.
Dr. Nicolas has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.