Dr Simon McArthur
Reader in Systems Neurobiology
Institute of Dentistry
Queen Mary University of London
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
2025
Building a roadmap to nutrition for Healthy Ageing: a brief report on the ILSI Europe Healthy Ageing Task ForceLang L, Hunt T, Vauzour D, de Souto Barreto P, Gueimonde M, Witkamp R, Guelinckx I, Pot B et al.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, Elsevier vol. 29 (11)
16-10-2025
A standardised saffron extract improves subjective and objective sleep quality in healthy older adults with sleep complaints: results from the Gut-Sleep-Brain Axis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot studyLang L, Ditton A, Stanescu A, Jainani V, Mcarthur S, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex M et al.
Food & Function, Royal Society of Chemistry
29-07-2025
Dietary substances and their glucuronides: structures, occurrence and biological activityStachulski AV, Yates EA, Teriosina A, Hoyles L, Mcarthur S
Natural Product Reports, Royal Society of Chemistry
04-06-2025
2024
Cerebrovascular damage caused by the gut microbe/host co-metabolite p-cresol sulfate is prevented by blockade of the EGF receptorShah SN, Knausenberger TB-A, Pontifex MG, Connell E, Le Gall G, Hardy TAJ, Randall DW, McCafferty K et al.
Gut Microbes, Taylor & Francis vol. 16 (1), 2431651-2431651.
24-11-2024
Targeting Cognitive Resilience through Prebiotics: A Focused PerspectiveDalile B, Boyle NB, Ruiz FT, Chakrabarti A, Respondek F, Dodd GF, Kadosh KC, Hepsomali P et al.
Advances in Nutrition, Elsevier vol. 16 (1)
16-11-2024
(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 toxinsConnell E, Le Gall G, McArthur S, Lang L, Breeze B, Pontifex MG, Sami S, Pourtau L et al.
Neurochemistry International, Elsevier vol. 180
09-10-2024
Integrated Insights into Neurodevelopmental Effects of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Trimethylamine (TMA): A Multi-Cohort Study Combining Epidemiology and ToxicologyMaitre L, De Leeuw VC, Van Oostrom CT, Anguita A, Chatzi L, Coen M, Gražulevičienė R, Heude B et al.
Isee Conference Abstracts, Environmental Health Perspectives vol. 2024 (1)
15-08-2024
Dietary (Poly)phenols and the Gut–Brain Axis in AgeingLáng L, McArthur S, Lazar AS, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex MG, Müller M, Vauzour D
Nutrients, Mdpi vol. 16 (10), 1500-1500.
16-05-2024
2023
Stimulation of the Pro-Resolving Receptor Fpr2 Reverses Inflammatory Microglial Activity by Suppressing NFκB ActivityWickstead ES, Elliott BT, Pokorny S, Biggs C, Getting SJ, Mcarthur S
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Mdpi vol. 24 (21), 15996-15996.
06-11-2023
The gut microbe‐derived methylamine TMAO protects against neuroinflammation through restraint of pro‐inflammatory glial behaviourMcArthur S
Alzheimer's & Dementia, Wiley vol. 19 (S1)
16-06-2023
Regulation of Physiological Barrier Function by the Commensal MicrobiotaMcarthur S
Life, Mdpi
31-01-2023
A host-gut microbial amino acid co-metabolite, p-cresol glucuronide, promotes blood-brain barrier integrity in vivo.Stachulski AV, Knausenberger TB-A, Shah SN, Hoyles L, McArthur S
Tissue Barriers vol. 11 (1), 2073175-2073175.
02-01-2023
2022
Promiscuous Receptors and Neuroinflammation: The Formyl Peptide ClassWickstead ES, Solito E, Mcarthur S
Life, Mdpi vol. 12 (12)
02-12-2022
2021
Regulation of blood–brain barrier integrity by microbiome-associated methylamines and cognition by trimethylamine N-oxideHoyles L, Pontifex M, Rodriguez-Ramiro I, Anis-Alavi MA, Jelane KS, Snelling T, Solito E, Fonseca S et al.
Microbiome, Biomed Central
27-11-2021
Analysis of circulating protein aggregates as a route of investigation into neurodegenerative disordersAdiutori R, Puentes F, Bremang M, Lombardi V, Zubiri I, Leoni E, Aarum J, Sheer D et al.
Brain Communications, Oxford University Press (Oup) vol. 3 (3)
01-07-2021
Exploiting formyl peptide receptor 2 to promote microglial resolution: a new approach to Alzheimer’s disease treatmentWickstead ES, Irving MA, Getting SJ, McArthur S
The Febs Journal, Wiley vol. 289 (7), 1801-1822.
01-05-2021
2020
Immune Escape in Glioblastoma Multiforme and the Adaptation of Immunotherapies for TreatmentPearson JRD, Cuzzubbo S, McArthur S, Durrant LG, Adhikaree J, Tinsley CJ, Pockley AG, McArdle SEB
Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers vol. 11
15-10-2020
Reversal of β‐Amyloid‐Induced Microglial Toxicity In Vitro by Activation of Fpr2/3Wickstead ES, Karim HA, Manuel RE, Biggs CS, Getting SJ, McArthur S
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Hindawi vol. 2020 (1)
13-06-2020
Annexin A1 drives macrophage skewing towards a resolving phenotype to accelerate the regeneration of muscle injury through AMPK activationMcArthur S, Gobbetti T, Juban G, Desgeorges T, Theret M, Gondin J, Toller-Kawahisa JE, Reutelingsperger CP et al.
Journal of Clinical Investigation, American Society For Clinical Investigation
04-02-2020
2019
Modelling cardiac dysfunction following traumatic haemorrhage injury: impact on myocardial integrityLopez Tremoleda J, Wall J, Naganathar V, Praditsuktavorn B, Bugg O, Mcarthur S, Thiemermann C, Brohi K
Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media vol. 10
06-12-2019
Desmoglein-3 acts as a pro-survival protein by suppressing reactive oxygen species and doming whilst augmenting the tight junctions in MDCK cellsWan H, Li X, Ahmad U, Huang Y, Uttagomol J, Rehman A, Zhou K, Warnes G et al.
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, Elsevier
31-10-2019
Estrogen Promotes Pro-resolving Microglial Behavior and Phagocytic Cell Clearance Through the Actions of Annexin A1Loiola RA, Wickstead ES, Solito E, Mcarthur S
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media
26-06-2019
2018
Activin sub-family peptides predict chronological age in humansBarrios-Silva LV, Parnell M, Shinwari ZB, Chaudhary GA, Xenofontos T, van Bekhoven A, MCARTHUR S, Elliott BT
Physiological Reports, Wiley vol. 6 (17), e13823-e13823.
04-09-2018
The Fpr2 agonist Quin-C1 stimulates inflammatory resolution in microglia; a role for metabolic homeostasis?Wickstead E, McArthur S
, Morressier
03-07-2018
Microbiome-host systems interactions: Protective effects of propionate upon the bloodbrain barrierHoyles L, Snelling T, Umlai U-K, Nicholson JK, Carding SR, Glen RC, MCARTHUR S
Bmc Microbiome, Biomed Central vol. 6, 55-55.
21-03-2018
2017
Annexin A1 supplementation prevents the progression to fibrosis of nonalcoholic steatoepatitis (NASH)Bruzzi S, Sutti S, Toscani A, Bozzola C, Reutelingsperger C, Kusters D, Mcarthur S, Perretti M et al.
The International Liver Congress 2017.
01-01-2017
2016
The restorative role of annexin A1 at the blood–brain barrierMcArthur S, Loiola RA, Maggioli, E, Errede M, Virgintino D, SOLITO E
Fluids and Barriers of The Cns, Biomed Central vol. 13 (17)
21-09-2016
Counteractive effects of antenatal glucocorticoid treatment on D1 receptor modulation of spatial working memoryVirdee K, Kentrop J, Jupp B, Venus B, Hensman D, McArthur S, Wilkinson J, Robbins TW et al.
Psychopharmacology, Springer Nature vol. 233 (21-22), 3751-3761.
23-08-2016
2015
Estrogen protects the blood–brain barrier from inflammation-induced disruption and increased lymphocyte traffickingMaggioli E, McArthur S, Mauro C, Kieswich J, Kusters DHM, Reutelingsperger CPM, Yaqoob M, Solito E
Brain Behavior and Immunity, Elsevier vol. 51, 212-222.
29-08-2015
Definition of a Novel Pathway Centered on Lysophosphatidic Acid To Recruit Monocytes during the Resolution Phase of Tissue InflammationMcArthur S, Gobbetti T, Kusters DHM, Reutelingsperger CP, Flower RJ, Perretti M
The Journal of Immunology, Oxford University Press (Oup) vol. 195 (3), 1139-1151.
01-08-2015
Sex-specific disruption of murine midbrain astrocytic and dopaminergic developmental trajectories following antenatal GC treatmentMcArthur S, Pienaar IS, Siddiqi SM, Gillies GE
Brain Structure and Function, Springer Nature vol. 221 (5), 2459-2475.
06-05-2015
Astroglial Plasticity Is Implicated in Hippocampal Remodelling in Adult Rats Exposed to Antenatal DexamethasoneShende VH, McArthur S, Gillies GE, Opacka-Juffry J
Neural Plasticity, Hindawi vol. 2015 (1)
01-01-2015
2014
Identification of a novel recycling sequence in the C-tail of FPR2/ALX receptor: association with cell protection from apoptosis.Thompson D, McArthur S, Hislop JN, Flower RJ, Perretti M
J Biol Chem vol. 289 (52), 36166-36178.
26-12-2014
Nonredundant protective properties of FPR2/ALX in polymicrobial murine sepsisGobbetti T, Coldewey SM, Chen J, McArthur S, le Faouder P, Cenac N, Flower RJ, Thiemermann C et al.
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America, Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences vol. 111 (52), 18685-18690.
15-12-2014
Sex-dependent diversity in ventral tegmental dopaminergic neurons and developmental programing: A molecular, cellular and behavioral analysis.Gillies GE, Virdee K, McArthur S, Dalley JW
Neuroscience vol. 282, 69-85.
12-12-2014
P261 ROLE OF ANNEXIN A1 IN THE PROGRESSION OF NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS (NASH)Locatelli I, Sutti S, Jindal A, Vacchiano M, Bozzola C, Reutelingsperger C, Kusters D, Bena S et al.
01-04-2014
Antenatal glucocorticoid treatment induces adaptations in adult midbrain dopamine neurons, which underpin sexually dimorphic behavioral resilience.Virdee K, McArthur S, Brischoux F, Caprioli D, Ungless MA, Robbins TW, Dalley JW, Gillies GE
Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 39 (2), 339-350.
01-01-2014
Endogenous Annexin A1 Is a Novel Protective Determinant in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in MiceLocatelli I, Sutti S, Jindal A, Vacchiano M, Bozzola C, Reutelingsperger C, Kusters D, Bena S et al.
Hepatology vol. 60 (2), 531-544.
01-01-2014
2013
Ligand-specific conformational change of the G-protein-coupled receptor ALX/FPR2 determines proresolving functional responses.Cooray SN, Gobbetti T, Montero-Melendez T, McArthur S, Thompson D, Clark AJL, Flower RJ, Perretti M
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A vol. 110 (45), 18232-18237.
05-11-2013
Chemerin15 inhibits neutrophil-mediated vascular inflammation and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through ChemR23.Cash JL, Bena S, Headland SE, McArthur S, Brancaleone V, Perretti M
Embo Rep vol. 14 (11), 999-1007.
01-11-2013
Oestrogen and immunomodulation: new mechanisms that impact on peripheral and central immunity.Nadkarni S, McArthur S
Curr Opin Pharmacol vol. 13 (4), 576-581.
01-08-2013
Prazosin, an α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, prevents memory deterioration in the APP23 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.Katsouri L, Vizcaychipi MP, McArthur S, Harrison I, Suárez-Calvet M, Lleo A, Lloyd DG, Ma D et al.
Neurobiol Aging vol. 34 (4), 1105-1115.
01-04-2013
Identification of an essential endogenous regulator of blood-brain barrier integrity, and its pathological and therapeutic implications.Cristante E, McArthur S, Mauro C, Maggioli E, Romero IA, Wylezinska-Arridge M, Couraud PO, Lopez-Tremoleda J et al.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A vol. 110 (3), 832-841.
15-01-2013
2012
Annexin A1 N-terminal derived Peptide ac2-26 exerts chemokinetic effects on human neutrophils.Dalli J, Montero-Melendez T, McArthur S, Perretti M
Front Pharmacol vol. 3
01-01-2012
2011
Novel ontogenetic patterns of sexual differentiation in arcuate nucleus GHRH neurons revealed in GHRH-enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic mice.McArthur S, Robinson IC, Gillies GE
Endocrinology vol. 152 (2), 607-617.
01-02-2011
Peripheral vs. Central Sex Steroid Hormones in Experimental Parkinson's Disease.McArthur S, Gillies GE
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) vol. 2
01-01-2011
2010
Annexin A1: a central player in the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective role of microglia.McArthur S, Cristante E, Paterno M, Christian H, Roncaroli F, Gillies GE, Solito E
J Immunol vol. 185 (10), 6317-6328.
15-11-2010
Estrogen actions in the brain and the basis for differential action in men and women: a case for sex-specific medicines.Gillies GE, McArthur S
Pharmacol Rev vol. 62 (2), 155-198.
01-06-2010
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.Gillies GE, McArthur S
Horm Behav vol. 57 (1), 23-34.
01-01-2010
Anti-allergic drugs and the Annexin-A1 system.Yazid S, Ayoub SS, Solito E, McArthur S, Vo P, Dufton N, Flower RJ
Pharmacol Rep vol. 62 (3), 511-517.
01-01-2010
2009
Annexin A1 regulates hormone exocytosis through a mechanism involving actin reorganization.McArthur S, Yazid S, Christian H, Sirha R, Flower R, Buckingham J, Solito E
Faseb J vol. 23 (11), 4000-4010.
01-11-2009
Cromoglycate drugs suppress eicosanoid generation in U937 cells by promoting the release of Anx-A1.Yazid S, Solito E, Christian H, McArthur S, Goulding N, Flower R
Biochem Pharmacol vol. 77 (12), 1814-1826.
15-06-2009
2008
A critical role for the anti-inflammatory protein annexin A1 in microglial phagocytosisMcArthur S, Prasongchean W, Gillies G, Solito E
Fund Clin Pharmacol vol. 22, 23-23.
01-08-2008
Annexin A1 in the brain--undiscovered roles?Solito E, McArthur S, Christian H, Gavins F, Buckingham JC, Gillies GE
Trends Pharmacol Sci vol. 29 (3), 135-142.
01-03-2008
2007
The size and distribution of midbrain dopaminergic populations are permanently altered by perinatal glucocorticoid exposure in a sex- region- and time-specific manner.McArthur S, McHale E, Gillies GE
Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 32 (7), 1462-1476.
01-07-2007
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.McArthur S, Murray HE, Dhankot A, Dexter DT, Gillies GE
J Neurochem vol. 100 (3), 678-692.
01-02-2007
2006
Sex dimorphisms in the 3D cytoarchitecture of the adult VTA and permanent alterations by glucocorticoid exposure in late gestationGillies G, McArthur S, McHale E
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, Elsevier vol. 27 (1), 95-96.
01-05-2006
Perinatal glucocorticoid treatment disrupts the hypothalamo-lactotroph axis in adult female, but not male, rats.McArthur S, Siddique Z-L, Christian HC, Capone G, Theogaraj E, John CD, Smith SF, Morris JF et al.
Endocrinology vol. 147 (4), 1904-1915.
01-04-2006
2005
Altered mesencephalic dopaminergic populations in adulthood as a consequence of brief perinatal glucocorticoid exposure.McArthur S, McHale E, Dalley JW, Buckingham JC, Gillies GE
J Neuroendocrinol vol. 17 (8), 475-482.
01-08-2005
2004
Sex dimorphisms in the neuroprotective effects of estrogen in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.Gillies GE, Murray HE, Dexter D, McArthur S
Pharmacol Biochem Behav vol. 78 (3), 513-522.
01-07-2004
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 femalesMurray HE, Pillai AV, McArthur SR, Razvi N, Datla KP, Dexter DT, Gillies GE
Neuroscience, Elsevier vol. 116 (1), 213-222.
01-01-2003
A standardised saffron extract improves subjective and objective sleep quality in healthy older adults with sleep complaints: results from the Gut-Sleep-Brain Axis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot studyLang L, Ditton A, Stanescu A, Jainani V, McArthur S, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex MG et al.
In Medrxiv
Dietary Substances and Their Glucuronides: Structures, Occurrence and Biological ActivityStachulski AV, Yates EA, Teriosina A, Hoyles L, Mcarthur S
Natural Product Reports, Royal Society of Chemistry
Estrogen promotes pro-resolving microglial behaviour and phagocytic cell clearance through the actions of annexin A1Loiola RA, Wickstead E, Solito E, Mcarthur S
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media
Annexin A1 drives macrophage skewing to accelerate muscle regeneration through AMPK activationMcarthur S, Juban G, Gobbetti T, Desgeorges T, Theret M, Gondin J, Toller-Kawahisa J, Reutelingsperger C et al.
Journal of Clinical Investigation, American Society For Clinical Investigation
Immuno-metabolic impact of the multiple sclerosis patients’ sera on endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrierSolito E
Journal of Neuroinflammation, Biomed Central
Impact of metabolic disorders on the structural, functional,
and immunological integrity of the blood-brain
barrier:
Therapeutic avenuesSolito E, Sheikh MH, Errede M, d'Amati A, Khan NQ, Fanti S, Loiola RA, Mcarthur S et al.
The Faseb Journal, Federation of American Society of Experimental Biology
Analysis of Circulating Protein Aggregates Reveals Pathological Hallmarks of Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisAdiutori R, Puentes F, Bremang M, Lombardi V, Zubiri I, Leoni E, Aarum J, Sheer D et al.
In Research Square
Analysis of circulating protein aggregates reveals pathological hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosisAdiutori R, Puentes F, Bremang M, Lombardi V, Zubiri I, Leoni E, Aarum J, Sheer D et al.
In Biorxiv
Regulation of blood–brain barrier integrity by microbiome-associated methylamines and cognition by trimethylamine N-oxideHoyles L, Pontifex MG, Rodriguez-Ramiro I, Anis-Alavi MA, Jelane KS, Snelling T, Solito E, Fonseca S et al.
In Biorxiv
A host–gut microbial co-metabolite of aromatic amino acids, p-cresol glucuronide, promotes blood–brain barrier integrity in vivoStachulski AV, Knausenberger TB-A, Shah SN, Hoyles L, McArthur S
In Biorxiv
Activation of the pro-resolving receptors Fpr2/3 attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory microglial activationWickstead ES, Elliott BT, Biggs C, Getting SJ, McArthur S
In Biorxiv
Reversal of β-amyloid induced microglial toxicity in vitro by activation of Fpr2/3Wickstead ES, Karim HA, Manuel RE, Biggs C, Getting SJ, McArthur S
In Biorxiv
Microbiome–host systems interactions: Protective effects of propionate upon the blood–brain barrierHoyles L, Snelling T, Umlai U-K, Nicholson JK, Carding SR, Glen RC, McArthur S
In Biorxiv
Cerebrovascular damage caused by the gut microbe/host co-metabolite p-cresol sulfate is prevented by blockade of the EGF receptorShah SN, Knausenberger TB-A, Pontifex MG, Connell E, Le Gall G, Hardy TAJ, Randall DW, McCafferty K et al.
In Biorxiv
Circulatory dietary and gut-derived metabolites predict preclinical Alzheimer’s diseaseConnell E, Sami S, Khondoker M, Minihane A-M, Pontifex MG, Müller M, McArthur S, Le Gall G et al.
In Medrxiv
Grants
Grants of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro ModelsCOactT PhD Studentship - Band B - Haleon - Metabolic and immune interactions in the oral mucosal host-microbial interfaceAbish Stephen, Robert Allaker and Simon McArthur
£96,000 Haleon PLC
01-09-2025 - 30-09-2029
Does BCAA-induced excitoxicity link metabolic disease & dementiaSimon McArthur and Patrick Pallier
£4,945 Alzheimer's Research UK
01-09-2025 - 31-08-2026
Cognitive function in HIV-exposed uninfected children in rural ZimbabweAndrew Prendergast, Melanie Smuk, Michael Pluess, Simon McArthur and Adina Michael-Titus
£363,260 MRC Medical Research Council
01-11-2023 - 31-10-2026
Genotypic, Phenotypic and Metabolic Characterisation of Skin SentinelsMatthew Caley and Simon McArthur
£75,600 Unilever UK Ltd
01-10-2023 - 30-09-2027
Dietary methylamines as systems-level regulators of neuroinflammationSimon McArthur
£3,726 Alzheimer's Research UK
06-01-2020 - 28-02-2022