Distinct intracellular signaling mediates C-MET regulation of dendritic growth and synaptogenesis.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase influences multiple neurodevelopmental processes. Evidence from human imaging and mouse models shows that, in the forebrain, disruptions in MET signaling alter circuit formation and function. One likely means of modulation is by controlling neuron maturation.

Self-Regulation and Economic Stress in Children of Hispanic Immigrants and Their Peers: Better Regulation at a Cost?

Research Findings: Although there is a well-established relationship between economic stress and children's self-regulation, few studies have examined this relationship in children of Hispanic immigrants (COHIs), a rapidly growing population. In a sample of preschool children ( = 165), we examined whether economic stress predicted teacher evaluations of children's self-regulation, whether economic stress predicted children's physiological reactivity (via cortisol levels), and whether economic stress had a similar effect on self-regulation and children's cortisol for COHI versus nonimmigrant children. Greater economic stress was associated with poorer child self-regulation and heightened physiological reactivity across a challenging classroom task for the sample as a whole.

Increased basement membrane thickness, pericyte ghosts, and loss of retinal thickness and cells in dopamine beta hydroxylase knockout mice.

Diabetes can cause damage to sympathetic nerves, and we have previously shown that experimental sympathectomy can produce capillary abnormalities in the retina similar to those seen in early diabetes. We postulate that the diabetes-induced loss of the sympathetic system, and at least in part the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), contributes to the development of retinal vascular and neural abnormalities in diabetes. Thus, we predict that non-diabetic animals that lack NE will develop microvascular and neural changes that are similar to those that are characteristic of diabetic retinopathy.