Dr Simon McArthur
Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience and Pharmacology
Dental Institute
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London
Research
Blood-brain barrier, Gut-brain axis, Gut microbiota, Neuroinflammation, Dementia, Diet
Interests
We are interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the diet-gut microbiota-brain axis, and how gut microbes can influence brain function in health and disease. We employ a range of different in vitro neural and neurovascular models to study the pharmacology of gut microbe-derived mediators upon the brain, allowing identification of target pathways and systems for potential therapeutic intervention.Publications
Publications of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro Models2024
Shah SN, Knausenberger TB-A, Pontifex MG, Connell E, Le Gall G, Hardy TAJ, Randall DW, McCafferty K, Yaqoob MM, Solito E, Müller M, Stachulski AV, Glen RC, Vauzour D, Hoyles L and McArthur S (2024). Cerebrovascular damage caused by the gut microbe/host co-metabolite p-cresol sulfate is prevented by blockade of the EGF receptor. Taylor & Francis Gut Microbes vol. 16, (1) 2431651-2431651. Dalile B, Boyle NB, Ruiz FT, Chakrabarti A, Respondek F, Dodd GF, Kadosh KC, Hepsomali P, Brummer RJ, McArthur S, Dam V, Zanzer YC, Vermeiren Y and Schellekens H (2024). Targeting cognitive resilience through prebiotics: A focused perspective. Elsevier Advances in Nutrition Connell E, Le Gall G, McArthur S, Lang L, Breeze B, Pontifex MG, Sami S, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Müller M and Vauzour D (2024). (Poly)phenol-rich grape and blueberry extract prevents LPS-induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier through the modulation of the gut microbiota-derived uremic toxins. Elsevier Neurochemistry International vol. 180, Maitre L, De Leeuw VC, Van Oostrom CT, Anguita A, Chatzi L, Coen M, Gražulevičienė R, Heude B, Ibarluzea J, Julvez J, Keun HC, María LS, Marquez S, Subiza Perez M, Thomsen C, Toledano MB, Villanueva CM, Vrijheid M, Wright J, Hoyles L, Mcarthur S and Hessel EVS (2024). Integrated Insights into Neurodevelopmental Effects of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Trimethylamine (TMA): A Multi-Cohort Study Combining Epidemiology and Toxicology. Environmental Health Perspectives ISEE Conference Abstracts vol. 2024, (1) Láng L, McArthur S, Lazar AS, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex MG, Müller M and Vauzour D (2024). Dietary (Poly)phenols and the Gut–Brain Axis in Ageing. MDPI Nutrients vol. 16, (10) 1500-1500. 2023
Wickstead ES, Elliott BT, Pokorny S, Biggs C, Getting SJ and Mcarthur S (2023). Stimulation of the Pro-Resolving Receptor Fpr2 Reverses Inflammatory Microglial Activity by Suppressing NFκB Activity. MDPI International Journal of Molecular Sciences vol. 24, (21) 15996-15996. 
McArthur S (2023). The gut microbe‐derived methylamine TMAO protects against neuroinflammation through restraint of pro‐inflammatory glial behaviour. Wiley Alzheimer's & Dementia vol. 19, (S1) Mcarthur S (2023). Regulation of Physiological Barrier Function by the Commensal Microbiota. MDPI Life Stachulski AV, Knausenberger TB-A, Shah SN, Hoyles L and McArthur S (2023). A host-gut microbial amino acid co-metabolite, p-cresol glucuronide, promotes blood-brain barrier integrity in vivo. Tissue Barriers vol. 11, (1) 2073175-2073175. 2022
Wickstead ES, Solito E and Mcarthur S (2022). Promiscuous Receptors and Neuroinflammation: The Formyl Peptide Class. MDPI Life vol. 12, (12) 2021
Sheikh MH, Errede M, d'Amati A, Khan NQ, Fanti S, Loiola RA, McArthur S, Purvis GSD, O'Riordan CE, Ferorelli D, Dell'Erba A, Kieswich J, Reutelingsperger C, Maiorano E, Yaqoob M, Thiemermann C, Baragetti A, Catapano AL, Norata GD, Marelli‐Berg F, Virgintino D and Solito E (2021). Impact of metabolic disorders on the structural, functional, and immunological integrity of the blood‐brain barrier: Therapeutic avenues. Wiley The FASEB Journal vol. 36, (1) Hoyles L, Pontifex M, Rodriguez-Ramiro I, Anis-Alavi MA, Jelane KS, Snelling T, Solito E, Fonseca S, Carvalho AL, Carding SR, Muller M, Glen RC, Vauzour D and Mcarthur S (2021). Regulation of blood–brain barrier integrity by microbiome-associated methylamines and cognition by trimethylamine N-oxide. BioMed Central Microbiome Adiutori R, Puentes F, Bremang M, Lombardi V, Zubiri I, Leoni E, Aarum J, Sheer D, McArthur S, Pike I and Malaspina A (2021). Analysis of circulating protein aggregates as a route of investigation into neurodegenerative disorders. Oxford University Press (OUP) Brain Communications vol. 3, (3) Wickstead ES, Irving MA, Getting SJ and McArthur S (2021). Exploiting formyl peptide receptor 2 to promote microglial resolution: a new approach to Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Wiley The FEBS Journal vol. 289, (7) 1801-1822. 2020
Pearson JRD, Cuzzubbo S, McArthur S, Durrant LG, Adhikaree J, Tinsley CJ, Pockley AG and McArdle SEB (2020). Immune Escape in Glioblastoma Multiforme and the Adaptation of Immunotherapies for Treatment. Frontiers Frontiers in Immunology vol. 11, Wickstead ES, Karim HA, Manuel RE, Biggs CS, Getting SJ and McArthur S (2020). Reversal of β‐Amyloid‐Induced Microglial Toxicity In Vitro by Activation of Fpr2/3. Hindawi Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity vol. 2020, (1) Sheikh MH, Henson S, Loiola RA, Mercurio S, Colamatteo A, Maniscalco GT, De Rosa V, Mcarthur S and Solito E (2020). Immuno-metabolic impact of the multiple sclerosis patients’ sera on endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. BioMed Central Journal of Neuroinflammation McArthur S, Gobbetti T, Juban G, Desgeorges T, Theret M, Gondin J, Toller-Kawahisa JE, Reutelingsperger CP, Perretti M and Mounier R (2020). Annexin A1 drives macrophage skewing towards a resolving phenotype to accelerate the regeneration of muscle injury through AMPK activation. American Society for Clinical Investigation Journal of Clinical Investigation 2019
Lopez Tremoleda J, Wall J, Naganathar V, Praditsuktavorn B, Bugg O, Mcarthur S, Thiemermann C and Brohi K (2019). Modelling cardiac dysfunction following traumatic haemorrhage injury: impact on myocardial integrity. Frontiers Media Frontiers in Immunology vol. 10, Wan H, Li X, Ahmad U, Huang Y, Uttagomol J, Rehman A, Zhou K, Warnes G, Mcarthur S and Parkinson E (2019). Desmoglein-3 acts as a pro-survival protein by suppressing reactive oxygen species and doming whilst augmenting the tight junctions in MDCK cells. Elsevier Mechanisms of Ageing and Development Loiola RA, Wickstead ES, Solito E and Mcarthur S (2019). Estrogen Promotes Pro-resolving Microglial Behavior and Phagocytic Cell Clearance Through the Actions of Annexin A1. Frontiers Media Frontiers in Endocrinology 2018
Barrios-Silva LV, Parnell M, Shinwari ZB, Chaudhary GA, Xenofontos T, van Bekhoven A, MCARTHUR S and Elliott BT (2018). Activin sub-family peptides predict chronological age in humans. Wiley Physiological Reports vol. 6, (17) e13823-e13823. MCARTHUR S, GOBBETTI T, Juban G, Desgeorges T, Theret M, Gondin J, Toller-Kawahisa J, Reutelingsperger C, PERRETTI M and Mounier R (2018). Annexin A1 drives macrophage skewing towards a resolving phenotype to accelerate the regeneration of muscle injury through AMPK activation. Biorxiv vol. 375709, (375709) 1-1. Wickstead E and McArthur S (2018). The Fpr2 agonist Quin-C1 stimulates inflammatory resolution in microglia; a role for metabolic homeostasis? Morressier Hoyles L, Snelling T, Umlai U-K, Nicholson JK, Carding SR, Glen RC and MCARTHUR S (2018). Microbiome-host systems interactions: Protective effects of propionate upon the bloodbrain barrier. BioMed Central BMC Microbiome vol. 6, 55-55. 2016
McArthur S, Loiola RA, Maggioli E, Errede M, Virgintino D and SOLITO E (2016). The restorative role of annexin A1 at the blood–brain barrier. BioMed Central Fluids and Barriers of the CNS vol. 13, (17) Virdee K, Kentrop J, Jupp B, Venus B, Hensman D, McArthur S, Wilkinson J, Robbins TW, Gillies G and Dalley JW (2016). Counteractive effects of antenatal glucocorticoid treatment on D1 receptor modulation of spatial working memory. Springer Nature Psychopharmacology vol. 233, (21-22) 3751-3761. 2015
Maggioli E, McArthur S, Mauro C, Kieswich J, Kusters DHM, Reutelingsperger CPM, Yaqoob M and Solito E (2015). Estrogen protects the blood–brain barrier from inflammation-induced disruption and increased lymphocyte trafficking. Elsevier Brain Behavior and Immunity vol. 51, 212-222. McArthur S, Gobbetti T, Kusters DHM, Reutelingsperger CP, Flower RJ and Perretti M (2015). Definition of a Novel Pathway Centered on Lysophosphatidic Acid To Recruit Monocytes during the Resolution Phase of Tissue Inflammation. The American Association of Immunologists The Journal of Immunology vol. 195, (3) 1139-1151. McArthur S, Pienaar IS, Siddiqi SM and Gillies GE (2015). Sex-specific disruption of murine midbrain astrocytic and dopaminergic developmental trajectories following antenatal GC treatment. Springer Nature Brain Structure and Function vol. 221, (5) 2459-2475. Shende VH, McArthur S, Gillies GE and Opacka-Juffry J (2015). Astroglial Plasticity Is Implicated in Hippocampal Remodelling in Adult Rats Exposed to Antenatal Dexamethasone. Hindawi Neural Plasticity vol. 2015, (1) 2014
Thompson D, McArthur S, Hislop JN, Flower RJ and Perretti M (2014). Identification of a novel recycling sequence in the C-tail of FPR2/ALX receptor: association with cell protection from apoptosis. J Biol Chem vol. 289, (52) 36166-36178. Gobbetti T, Coldewey SM, Chen J, McArthur S, le Faouder P, Cenac N, Flower RJ, Thiemermann C and Perretti M (2014). Nonredundant protective properties of FPR2/ALX in polymicrobial murine sepsis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol. 111, (52) 18685-18690. Gillies GE, Virdee K, McArthur S and Dalley JW (2014). Sex-dependent diversity in ventral tegmental dopaminergic neurons and developmental programing: A molecular, cellular and behavioral analysis. Neuroscience vol. 282, 69-85. Virdee K, McArthur S, Brischoux F, Caprioli D, Ungless MA, Robbins TW, Dalley JW and Gillies GE (2014). Antenatal glucocorticoid treatment induces adaptations in adult midbrain dopamine neurons, which underpin sexually dimorphic behavioral resilience. Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 39, (2) 339-350. Locatelli I, Sutti S, Jindal A, Vacchiano M, Bozzola C, Reutelingsperger C, Kusters D, Bena S, Parola M, Paternostro C, Bugianesi E, McArthur S, Albano E and Perretti M (2014). Endogenous Annexin A1 Is a Novel Protective Determinant in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice. HEPATOLOGY vol. 60, (2) 531-544. 2013
Cooray SN, Gobbetti T, Montero-Melendez T, McArthur S, Thompson D, Clark AJL, Flower RJ and Perretti M (2013). Ligand-specific conformational change of the G-protein-coupled receptor ALX/FPR2 determines proresolving functional responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A vol. 110, (45) 18232-18237. Cash JL, Bena S, Headland SE, McArthur S, Brancaleone V and Perretti M (2013). Chemerin15 inhibits neutrophil-mediated vascular inflammation and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through ChemR23. EMBO Rep vol. 14, (11) 999-1007. Nadkarni S and McArthur S (2013). Oestrogen and immunomodulation: new mechanisms that impact on peripheral and central immunity. Curr Opin Pharmacol vol. 13, (4) 576-581. Katsouri L, Vizcaychipi MP, McArthur S, Harrison I, Suárez-Calvet M, Lleo A, Lloyd DG, Ma D and Sastre M (2013). Prazosin, an α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, prevents memory deterioration in the APP23 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging vol. 34, (4) 1105-1115. Cristante E, McArthur S, Mauro C, Maggioli E, Romero IA, Wylezinska-Arridge M, Couraud PO, Lopez-Tremoleda J, Christian HC, Weksler BB, Malaspina A and Solito E (2013). Identification of an essential endogenous regulator of blood-brain barrier integrity, and its pathological and therapeutic implications. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A vol. 110, (3) 832-841. 2012
Dalli J, Montero-Melendez T, McArthur S and Perretti M (2012). Annexin A1 N-terminal derived Peptide ac2-26 exerts chemokinetic effects on human neutrophils. Front Pharmacol vol. 3, 2011
McArthur S, Robinson IC and Gillies GE (2011). Novel ontogenetic patterns of sexual differentiation in arcuate nucleus GHRH neurons revealed in GHRH-enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic mice. Endocrinology vol. 152, (2) 607-617. McArthur S and Gillies GE (2011). Peripheral vs. Central Sex Steroid Hormones in Experimental Parkinson's Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) vol. 2, 2010
McArthur S, Cristante E, Paterno M, Christian H, Roncaroli F, Gillies GE and Solito E (2010). Annexin A1: a central player in the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective role of microglia. J Immunol vol. 185, (10) 6317-6328. Gillies GE and McArthur S (2010). Estrogen actions in the brain and the basis for differential action in men and women: a case for sex-specific medicines. Pharmacol Rev vol. 62, (2) 155-198. Gillies GE and McArthur S (2010). Independent influences of sex steroids of systemic and central origin in a rat model of Parkinson's disease: A contribution to sex-specific neuroprotection by estrogens. Horm Behav vol. 57, (1) 23-34. Yazid S, Ayoub SS, Solito E, McArthur S, Vo P, Dufton N and Flower RJ (2010). Anti-allergic drugs and the Annexin-A1 system. Pharmacol Rep vol. 62, (3) 511-517. 2009
McArthur S, Yazid S, Christian H, Sirha R, Flower R, Buckingham J and Solito E (2009). Annexin A1 regulates hormone exocytosis through a mechanism involving actin reorganization. FASEB J vol. 23, (11) 4000-4010. Yazid S, Solito E, Christian H, McArthur S, Goulding N and Flower R (2009). Cromoglycate drugs suppress eicosanoid generation in U937 cells by promoting the release of Anx-A1. Biochem Pharmacol vol. 77, (12) 1814-1826. 2008
McArthur S, Prasongchean W, Gillies G and Solito E (2008). A critical role for the anti-inflammatory protein annexin A1 in microglial phagocytosis. FUND CLIN PHARMACOL vol. 22, 23-23. Solito E, McArthur S, Christian H, Gavins F, Buckingham JC and Gillies GE (2008). Annexin A1 in the brain--undiscovered roles? Trends Pharmacol Sci vol. 29, (3) 135-142. 2007
McArthur S, McHale E and Gillies GE (2007). The size and distribution of midbrain dopaminergic populations are permanently altered by perinatal glucocorticoid exposure in a sex- region- and time-specific manner. Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 32, (7) 1462-1476. McArthur S, Murray HE, Dhankot A, Dexter DT and Gillies GE (2007). Striatal susceptibility to a dopaminergic neurotoxin is independent of sex hormone effects on cell survival and DAT expression but is exacerbated by central aromatase inhibition. J Neurochem vol. 100, (3) 678-692. 2006
Gillies G, McArthur S and McHale E (2006). Sex dimorphisms in the 3D cytoarchitecture of the adult VTA and permanent alterations by glucocorticoid exposure in late gestation. Elsevier Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology vol. 27, (1) 95-96. McArthur S, Siddique Z-L, Christian HC, Capone G, Theogaraj E, John CD, Smith SF, Morris JF, Buckingham JC and Gillies GE (2006). Perinatal glucocorticoid treatment disrupts the hypothalamo-lactotroph axis in adult female, but not male, rats. Endocrinology vol. 147, (4) 1904-1915. 2005
McArthur S, McHale E, Dalley JW, Buckingham JC and Gillies GE (2005). Altered mesencephalic dopaminergic populations in adulthood as a consequence of brief perinatal glucocorticoid exposure. J Neuroendocrinol vol. 17, (8) 475-482. 2004
Gillies GE, Murray HE, Dexter D and McArthur S (2004). Sex dimorphisms in the neuroprotective effects of estrogen in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Pharmacol Biochem Behav vol. 78, (3) 513-522. 2003
Murray HE, Pillai AV, McArthur SR, Razvi N, Datla KP, Dexter DT and Gillies GE (2003). Dose- and sex-dependent effects of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway of adult rats: differential actions of estrogen in males and females. Elsevier Neuroscience vol. 116, (1) 213-222. 