Dr Simon McArthur

Simon McArthur

Reader in Systems Neurobiology

Institute of Dentistry
Queen Mary University of London
www.qmul.ac.uk/dentistry/people/profiles/simonmcarthur.html
ORCID

Research

Blood-brain barrier, Gut-brain axis, Gut microbiota, Neuroinflammation, Dementia, Diet

Cardiovascular Models, Infectious Disease and Inflammation Models, Neuronal Models

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

solid heart iconPublications of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro Models

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 study
Lang L, Ditton A, Stanescu A, Jainani V, McArthur S, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex MG et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
24-02-2025
Targeting Cognitive Resilience through Prebiotics: A Focused Perspective
Dalile B, Boyle NB, Ruiz FT, Chakrabarti A, Respondek F, Dodd GF, Kadosh KC, Hepsomali P et al.
Advances in Nutrition, Elsevier Bv vol. 16 (1), 100343-100343.  
01-01-2025
Dietary substances and their glucuronides: structures, occurrence and biological activity
Stachulski AV, Yates EA, Teriosina A, Hoyles L, McArthur S
Natural Product Reports 
01-01-2025
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 study
Lang L, Ditton A, Stanescu A, Jainani V, McArthur S, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex MG et al.
Food &Amp; Function, Royal Society of Chemistry (Rsc) 
01-01-2025

2024

Cerebrovascular damage caused by the gut microbe/host co-metabolite p-cresol sulfate is prevented by blockade of the EGF receptor

Gut Microbes, Taylor & Francis vol. 16 (1), 2431651-2431651.  
24-11-2024
(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 toxins
Connell E, Le Gall G, McArthur S, Lang L, Breeze B, Pontifex MG, Sami S, Pourtau L et al.
Neurochemistry International, Elsevier Bv vol. 180, 105878-105878.  
01-11-2024
Integrated Insights into Neurodevelopmental Effects of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Trimethylamine (TMA): A Multi-Cohort Study Combining Epidemiology and Toxicology
Maitre 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 Ageing
Láng L, McArthur S, Lazar AS, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex MG, Müller M, Vauzour D
Nutrients, Mdpi Ag vol. 16 (10), 1500-1500.  
16-05-2024
Circulatory dietary and gut-derived metabolites predict preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Connell E, Sami S, Khondoker M, Minihane A-M, Pontifex MG, Müller M, McArthur S, Gall GL et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
10-05-2024

2023

Stimulation of the Pro-Resolving Receptor Fpr2 Reverses Inflammatory Microglial Activity by Suppressing NFκB Activity
Wickstead ES, Elliott BT, Pokorny S, Biggs C, Getting SJ, McArthur S
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Mdpi Ag vol. 24 (21), 15996-15996.  
06-11-2023
The gut microbe‐derived methylamine TMAO protects against neuroinflammation through restraint of pro‐inflammatory glial behaviour
McArthur S
Alzheimer's &Amp; Dementia, Wiley vol. 19 (S1) 
01-06-2023
Regulation of Physiological Barrier Function by the Commensal Microbiota
McArthur S
Life, Mdpi Ag vol. 13 (2), 396-396.  
31-01-2023

2022

Promiscuous Receptors and Neuroinflammation: The Formyl Peptide Class
Wickstead ES, Solito E, Mcarthur S
Life, Mdpi vol. 12 (12) 
02-12-2022
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, Informa Uk Limited vol. 11 (1) 
20-05-2022
A host–gut microbial co-metabolite of aromatic amino acids, p-cresol glucuronide, promotes blood–brain barrier integrity in vivo
Stachulski AV, Knausenberger TB-A, Shah SN, Hoyles L, McArthur S
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
12-01-2022

2021

Regulation of blood–brain barrier integrity by microbiome-associated methylamines and cognition by trimethylamine N-oxide
Hoyles 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 disorders
Adiutori 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 treatment
Wickstead 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 Treatment
Pearson JRD, Cuzzubbo S, McArthur S, Durrant LG, Adhikaree J, Tinsley CJ, Pockley AG, McArdle SEB
Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 11 
15-10-2020
Analysis of Circulating Protein Aggregates Reveals Pathological Hallmarks of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Adiutori R, Puentes F, Bremang M, Lombardi V, Zubiri I, Leoni E, Aarum J, Sheer D et al.
In Springer Science and Business Media Llc 
18-09-2020
Activation of the pro-resolving receptors Fpr2/3 attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory microglial activation
Wickstead ES, Elliott BT, Biggs C, Getting SJ, McArthur S
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
10-07-2020
Reversal of β-Amyloid-Induced Microglial Toxicity In Vitro by Activation of Fpr2/3
Wickstead ES, Karim HA, Manuel RE, Biggs CS, Getting SJ, McArthur S
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Wiley vol. 2020, 1-13.  
15-06-2020
Analysis of circulating protein aggregates reveals pathological hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Adiutori R, Puentes F, Bremang M, Lombardi V, Zubiri I, Leoni E, Aarum J, Sheer D et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
02-05-2020
Reversal of β-amyloid induced microglial toxicityin vitroby activation of Fpr2/3
Wickstead ES, Karim HA, Manuel RE, Biggs C, Getting SJ, McArthur S
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
14-02-2020
Annexin A1 drives macrophage skewing to accelerate muscle regeneration through AMPK activation
McArthur S, Juban G, Gobbetti T, Desgeorges T, Theret M, Gondin J, Toller-Kawahisa JE, Reutelingsperger CP et al.
Journal of Clinical Investigation, American Society For Clinical Investigation vol. 130 (3), 1156-1167.  
04-02-2020

2019

RETRACTED: Modeling Cardiac Dysfunction Following Traumatic Hemorrhage Injury: Impact on Myocardial Integrity
Wall J, Naganathar S, Praditsuktavorn B, Bugg OF, McArthur S, Thiemermann C, Tremoleda JL, Brohi K
Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media Sa 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 cells
Li X, Ahmad US, Huang Y, Uttagomol J, Rehman A, Zhou K, Warnes G, McArthur S et al.
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, Elsevier Bv vol. 184, 111174-111174.  
01-12-2019
Estrogen Promotes Pro-resolving Microglial Behavior and Phagocytic Cell Clearance Through the Actions of Annexin A1
Loiola RA, Wickstead ES, Solito E, Mcarthur S
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media 
26-06-2019
Estrogen Promotes Pro-resolving Microglial Behavior and Phagocytic Cell Clearance Through the Actions of Annexin A1
Loiola RA, Wickstead ES, Solito E, McArthur S
Frontiers in Endocrinology vol. 10 
01-01-2019

2018

Activin subfamily peptides predict chronological age in humans
Barrios-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.  
01-09-2018
Annexin A1 drives macrophage skewing towards a resolving phenotype to accelerate the regeneration of muscle injury through AMPK activation
McArthur S, Gobbetti T, Juban G, Desgeorges T, Theret M, Gondin J, Toller-Kawahisa JE, Reutelingsperger CP et al.
 
04-08-2018
The Fpr2 agonist Quin-C1 stimulates inflammatory resolution in microglia; a role for metabolic homeostasis?
Wickstead E, McArthur S
 
03-07-2018
Microbiome–host systems interactions: protective effects of propionate upon the blood–brain barrier
Hoyles L, Snelling T, Umlai U-K, Nicholson JK, Carding SR, Glen RC, McArthur S
Microbiome, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 6 (1) 
21-03-2018

2017

Microbiome–host systems interactions: Protective effects of propionate upon the blood–brain barrier
Hoyles L, Snelling T, Umlai U-K, Nicholson JK, Carding SR, Glen RC, McArthur S
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
31-07-2017
Annexin A1 supplementation prevents the progression to fibrosis of nonalcoholic steatoepatitis (NASH)
Bruzzì S, Sutti S, Toscani A, Bozzola C, Reutelingsperger C, Kusters D, Mcarthur S, Perretti M et al.
 
01-01-2017

2016

The restorative role of annexin A1 at the blood–brain barrier
McArthur 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 memory
Virdee K, Kentrop J, Jupp B, Venus B, Hensman D, McArthur S, Wilkinson J, Robbins TW et al.
Psychopharmacology, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 233 (21-22), 3751-3761.  
23-08-2016

2015

Estrogen protects the blood–brain barrier from inflammation-induced disruption and increased lymphocyte trafficking

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 Inflammation
McArthur 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 treatment
McArthur S, Pienaar IS, Siddiqi SM, Gillies GE
Brain Structure and Function, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 221 (5), 2459-2475.  
06-05-2015
Astroglial Plasticity Is Implicated in Hippocampal Remodelling in Adult Rats Exposed to Antenatal Dexamethasone
Shende VH, McArthur S, Gillies GE, Opacka-Juffry J
Neural Plasticity, Wiley vol. 2015, 1-8.  
01-01-2015

2014

Nonredundant protective properties of FPR2/ALX in polymicrobial murine sepsis
Gobbetti 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, 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, Elsevier Bv vol. 282, 69-85.  
01-12-2014
Identification of a Novel Recycling Sequence in the C-tail of FPR2/ALX Receptor
Thompson D, McArthur S, Hislop JN, Flower RJ, Perretti M
Journal of Biological Chemistry, Elsevier Bv vol. 289 (52), 36166-36178.  
01-12-2014
Endogenous annexin A1 is a novel protective determinant in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Locatelli I, Sutti S, Jindal A, Vacchiano M, Bozzola C, Reutelingsperger C, Kusters D, Bena S et al.
Hepatology, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) vol. 60 (2), 531-544.  
01-08-2014
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

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
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences vol. 110 (45), 18232-18237.  
09-10-2013
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 Reports, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 14 (11), 999-1007.  
03-09-2013
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, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 39 (2), 339-350.  
09-08-2013
Oestrogen and immunomodulation: new mechanisms that impact on peripheral and central immunity
Nadkarni S, McArthur S
Current Opinion in Pharmacology, Elsevier Bv vol. 13 (4), 576-581.  
01-08-2013
Prazosin, an α1-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.
Neurobiology of Aging, Elsevier Bv 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
Frontiers in Pharmacology, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 3 
01-01-2012

2011

Peripheral vs. Central Sex Steroid Hormones in Experimental Parkinson?s Disease
McArthur S, Gillies GE
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 2 
01-01-2011

2010

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, The Endocrine Society vol. 152 (2), 607-617.  
15-12-2010
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
Pharmacological Reviews, Elsevier Bv 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
Hormones and Behavior, Elsevier Bv 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 phagocytosis
McArthur 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

2006

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, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 32 (7), 1462-1476.  
13-12-2006
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
Journal of Neurochemistry, Wiley vol. 100 (3), 678-692.  
05-10-2006
Sex dimorphisms in the 3D cytoarchitecture of the adult VTA and permanent alterations by glucocorticoid exposure in late gestation
Gillies G, McArthur S, McHale E
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, Elsevier Bv 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, The Endocrine Society 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
Journal of Neuroendocrinology, Wiley vol. 17 (8), 475-482.  
17-06-2005

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
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, Elsevier Bv 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 females
Murray HE, Pillai AV, McArthur SR, Razvi N, Datla KP, Dexter DT, Gillies GE
Neuroscience, Elsevier Bv vol. 116 (1), 213-222.  
01-01-2003

Immuno-metabolic impact of the multiple sclerosis patients’ sera on endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier
Solito E
Journal of Neuroinflammation, Biomed Central 
Impact of metabolic disorders on the structural, functional, and immunological integrity of the blood-brain barrier: Therapeutic avenues

The Faseb Journal, Federation of American Society of Experimental Biology 
Regulation of blood–brain barrier integrity by microbiome-associated methylamines and cognition by trimethylamine N-oxide
Hoyles L, Pontifex MG, Rodriguez-Ramiro I, Anis-Alavi MA, Jelane KS, Snelling T, Solito E, Fonseca S et al.
In Biorxiv 
Estrogen promotes pro-resolving microglial behaviour and phagocytic cell clearance through the actions of annexin A1
Loiola RA, Wickstead ES, Solito E, McArthur S
In Biorxiv 
Cerebrovascular damage caused by the gut microbe/host co-metabolite p-cresol sulfate is prevented by blockade of the EGF receptor

In Biorxiv 

Grants

solid heart iconGrants of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro Models
solid heart iconCOactT PhD Studentship - Band B - Haleon - Metabolic and immune interactions in the oral mucosal host-microbial interface
Abish Stephen, Robert Allaker and Simon McArthur
£96,000 Haleon PLC
01-09-2025 - 30-09-2029
bullet iconCognitive function in HIV-exposed uninfected children in rural Zimbabwe
Andrew Prendergast, Melanie Smuk, Michael Pluess, Simon McArthur and Adina Michael-Titus
£363,260 MRC Medical Research Council
01-11-2023 - 31-10-2026
solid heart iconGenotypic, Phenotypic and Metabolic Characterisation of Skin Sentinels
Matthew Caley and Simon McArthur
£75,600 Unilever UK Ltd
01-10-2023 - 30-09-2027

solid heart iconDietary methylamines as systems-level regulators of neuroinflammation
Simon McArthur
£3,726 Alzheimer's Research UK
06-01-2020 - 28-02-2022