![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Sohal-headshot-170.jpg)
Vikaas Sohal
Associate professor
University of California, San Francisco
From this contributor
‘Outdated’ mouse model exposes key disruptions in autism brain
A mouse model based on exposure to an epilepsy drug offers a useful window into the brain circuits altered in autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Spectrum_SpecialReport_Mice_Valporate_FINAL.jpg)
‘Outdated’ mouse model exposes key disruptions in autism brain
Understanding contradictory connectivity reports in autism
Studies at the level of neural circuits are needed to better understand the importance of both increased and decreased connectivity between different regions in the autism brain, say John Rubenstein and Vikaas Sohal.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/images-2013-folder/images-viewpoint-2013/20131210viewpointrubenstein.jpg)
Understanding contradictory connectivity reports in autism
Targeting brain microcircuits may help treat autism
Understanding the function of neuronal circuits, specifically microcircuits in the prefrontal cortex and elsewhere in the brain, will play a major role in translating research findings into new autism treatments, says Vikaas Sohal.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/viewpoint/SohaalVPArticle.jpg)
Targeting brain microcircuits may help treat autism
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.