Epigenetic regulation of the oxytocin system as an indicator of adaptation to over-controlling parenting and psychosocial functioning in adulthood.

The oxytocin system plays a role in social stress adaptation, and this role is likely to be particularly important in adolescence. One method of regulating the oxytocin system is through DNA methylation in the promoter of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTRm), which reduces the gene's expression. This multi-method, longitudinal study, using a diverse community sample of 184 adolescents followed from age 13-28, examined the links between OXTRm and exposure to over-controlling parenting in adolescence and conflict with romantic partners and internalizing symptoms in adulthood.

Empathy across three generations: From maternal and peer support in adolescence to adult parenting and child outcomes.

This study examined the development of empathic care across three generations in a sample of 184 adolescents in the United States (99 female, 85 male; 58% White, 29% African American, 8% mixed race/ethnicity, 5% other groups), followed from their family of origin at age 13 into their parenting years (through their mid-30s). Mothers' empathic support toward adolescents at age 13 predicted teens' empathy for close friends across adolescence (13-19 years). Participants' empathic support for friends in late adolescence predicted more supportive parenting behavior in adulthood, which in turn was associated with their children's empathy at age 3-8 years.

GDF15 controls primary cilia morphology and function thereby affecting progenitor proliferation.

We recently reported that growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and its receptor GDNF family receptor alpha-like (GFRAL) are expressed in the periventricular germinal epithelium thereby regulating apical progenitor proliferation. However, the mechanisms are unknown. We now found GFRAL in primary cilia and altered cilia morphology upon GDF15 ablation.

Adolescent social learning within supportive friendships: Self-disclosure and relationship quality from adolescence to adulthood.

This study examines links between self-disclosure and relationship quality with close friends from adolescence to adulthood. A diverse community sample of adolescents (N = 184) participated in survey and observational measures annually from ages 13 through 29, along with their close friends and romantic partners. Random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling (RICLPM) was used to parse markers of within-individual change from age 13 to 18.