Prof Maurice Elphick
Professor of Animal Physiology and Neuroscience
School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London
Research
Neuropeptide, Evolution, Neurobiology, Echinoderm, Physiology
Interests
Neuropeptides and peptide hormones have fundamental roles in controlling, regulating and integrating physiological and behavioural processes in humans and other animals. I am interested in reconstructing the evolutionary history of neuropeptide signalling systems and investigating how neuropeptides are utilised to co-ordinate physiological processes and behaviour in animals. The primary focus of my neuropeptide research is on echinoderms (e.g. starfish, sea urchins), which are of special interest for a number of reasons. As deuterostomes, echinoderms are more closely related to vertebrates than the majority of invertebrates, and therefore research on echinoderms can shed light on the evolutionary origins of vertebrate neuropeptides. Echinoderms also have many remarkable morphological and physiological characteristics – they are typically five-sided and have a unique ability to rapidly change (under neural control) the stiffness of their body wall collagenous tissue; they also have amazing powers of regeneration, which makes them of great interest from a medical perspective. Facilitated by the recent advances in transcriptome and genome sequencing and using the common European starfish Asterias rubens and other echinoderms as experimental animals, our research is providing “missing links” in our understanding of neuropeptide biology, bridging the huge evolutionary gap between protostome invertebrates (e.g. Drosophila, C. elegans) and the vertebrates. For example, our paper published recently in PNAS has provided important new insights into the evolutionary history of somatostatin, a hormone that regulates growth in humans.Publications of specific relevance to the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics
2024
Tinoco A, Kirupakaran V, Capatina D, Egertová M and Elphick M (2024). Discovery of a neuropeptide that acts as an autotomy-promoting factor. Current Biology, Cell Press 29-08-2024
Mercurio S, Gattoni G, Scarì G, Ascagni M, Barzaghi B, Elphick MR, Croce JC, Schubert M, Benito-Gutiérrez E and Pennati R (2024). A feather star is born: embryonic development and nervous system organization in the crinoid Antedon mediterranea. Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 14 (8), 240115-240115. 21-08-2024
Piñon Gonzalez V, Feng Y, Egertová M and Elphick M (2024). Neuropeptide expression and action in the reproductive system of the starfish Asterias rubens. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley 27-01-2024
2023
Elphick MR (2023). Neuropeptide Signaling in Echinoderms: From “Physiologic Activity of Nerve Extracts” to Neuropeptidomics and Beyond. Frontiers in Invertebrate Physiology: A Collection of Reviews 433-484. 08-12-2023
Mita M, Feng Y, Piñon-Gonzalez VM, Elphick MR and Katayama H (2023). Gonadotropic activity of a second relaxin-type peptide in starfish. General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier vol. 343, 114369-114369. 22-08-2023
Feng Y, Piñon Gonzalez VM, Lin M, Egertová M, Mita M and Elphick MR (2023). Localization of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide expression in starfish reveals the gonoducts as a source for its role as a regulator of spawning. J Comp Neurol 22-05-2023
Smith MK, Rotgans BA, Lang T, Johnston R, Wang T, Suwansa-ard S, Bose U, Satoh N, Egertova M, Hall MR, Bryne M, Elphick MR, Motti CA and Cummins SF (2023). Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) radial nerve cord. Scientific Reports, Springer Science and Business Media LLC vol. 13 (1) 27-02-2023
Tinoco AB, Egertová M and Elphick MR (2023). Immunohistochemical localisation of vasopressin/oxytocin-type, corazonin-type and luqin-type neuropeptide expression in the starfish Asterias rubens using antibodies to the C-terminal region of precursor proteins. Cell and Tissue Research, Springer Science and Business Media LLC 19-01-2023
2022
Aleotti A, Wilkie IC, Yañez-Guerra LA, Gattoni G, Rahman TA, Wademan RF, Ahmad Z, Ivanova DA, Semmens DC, Delroisse J, Cai W, Odekunle E, Egertová M, Ferrario C, Sugni M, Bonasoro F and Elphick MR (2022). Discovery and functional characterization of neuropeptides in crinoid echinoderms. Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers Media SA vol. 16 13-12-2022
Escudero Castelán N, Semmens DC, Guerra LAY, Zandawala M, dos Reis M, Slade SE, Scrivens JH, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Mirabeau O and Elphick MR (2022). Receptor deorphanization in an echinoderm reveals kisspeptin evolution and relationship with SALMFamide neuropeptides. BMC Biology, BioMed Central vol. 20 (1) 24-08-2022
Zhang Y, Yanez-Guerra LA, Tinoco AB, Escudero Castelán N, Egertová M and Elphick M (2022). Somatostatin-type and allatostatin-C–type neuropeptides are paralogous and have opposing myoregulatory roles in an echinoderm. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of USA, National Academy of Sciences vol. 119 (7, e2113589119), 1-12. 10-02-2022
2021
Tinoco AB, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Yañez Guerra LA, Delroisse J, Zhang Y, Gunner EF, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Egertová M and Elphick MR (2021). Ancient role of sulfakinin/cholecystokinin-type signalling in inhibitory regulation of feeding processes revealed in an echinoderm. eLife, eLife Sciences Publications Ltd vol. 10 07-09-2021
Elphick M (2021). The Mutable Collagenous Tissue of Echinoderms: From Biology to Biomedical Applications. Soft Matter for Biomedical Applications, Royal Society of Chemistry 11-06-2021
Mita M, Elphick MR and Katayama H (2021). A specific and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measurement of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide in the starfish Asterias rubens. General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier BV, 113831-113831. 04-06-2021
Carter HF, Thompson JR, Elphick MR and Oliveri P (2021). The development and neuronal complexity of bipinnaria larvae of the sea star Asterias rubens. Integr Comp Biol 27-05-2021
Cai W, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR (2021). Molecular identification and cellular localisation of a corticotropin-releasing hormone type neuropeptide in an echinoderm. Neuroendocrinology: international journal for basic and clinical studies on neuroendocrine relationships, Karger Publishers 07-05-2021
2020
Zhang Y, Yañez Guerra LA, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR (2020). Molecular and functional characterization of somatostatin-type signalling in a deuterostome invertebrate. Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 10 (9), 200172-200172. 09-09-2020
Yañez-Guerra LA, Zhong X, Moghul I, Butts T, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Mirabeau O and Elphick MR (2020). Echinoderms provide missing link in the evolution of PrRP/sNPF-type neuropeptide signalling. eLife, eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd vol. 9 24-06-2020
Odekunle EA and Elphick MR (2020). Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology of Vasopressin/ Oxytocin-Type Neuropeptide Signaling in Invertebrates. Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media SA vol. 11 17-04-2020
Yanez-Guerra L and Elphick M (2020). Evolution and comparative physiology of luqin-type neuropeptide signalling. Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers Media 18-02-2020
Elphick MR (2020). Neuropeptide Signaling in Echinoderms: From “Physiologic Activity of Nerve Extracts” to Neuropeptidomics and Beyond. Advances in Invertebrate (Neuro)Endocrinology 125-172. 14-02-2020
2019
Sobrido-Cameán D, Yáñez-Guerra LA, Robledo D, López-Varela E, Rodicio MC, Elphick MR, Anadón R and Barreiro-Iglesias A (2019). Cholecystokinin in the central nervous system of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus: precursor identification and neuroanatomical relationships with other neuronal signalling systems. Brain Structure and Function, Springer Verlag 05-12-2019
Mita M, Elphick M and Katayama H (2019). Effect of chimeric relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptides on oocyte maturation and ovulation in the starfish Asterias rubens and Aphelasterias japonica. General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier 02-12-2019
Peacey L, Elphick MR and Jones CE (2019). Roles of copper in neurokinin B and gonadotropin-releasing hormone structure and function and the endocrinology of reproduction. General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier, 113342-113342. 26-11-2019
Satake H, Larhammar D and Elphick MR (2019). Editorial: Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Systems of Invertebrate Deuterostomes. Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media vol. 10 01-11-2019
Sobrido-Cameán D, Yáñez-Guerra LA, Lamanna F, Conde-Fernández C, Kaessmann H, Elphick MR, Anadón R, Rodicio MC and Barreiro-Iglesias A (2019). Galanin in an Agnathan: Precursor Identification and Localisation of Expression in the Brain of the Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, Frontiers Media SA vol. 13 13-09-2019
ODEKUNLE EA, SEMMENS DC, Martynyuk N, Tinoco AB, Garewal AK, Patel RR, BLOWES LM, Zandawala M, Delroisse J, Slade SE, Scrivens JH, Egertova M and Elphick MR (2019). Ancient role of vasopressin/oxytocin-type neuropeptides as regulators of feeding revealed in an echinoderm. BMC Biology, Springer Science and Business Media LLC vol. 17 (1) 31-07-2019
Yañez-Guerra LA, Zhong X, Moghul I, Butts T, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Mirabeau O and Elphick MR (2019). Urbilaterian origin and evolution of sNPF-type neuropeptide signalling. 24-07-2019
Chen M, Talarovicova A, Zheng Y, Storey KB and Elphick MR (2019). Neuropeptide precursors and neuropeptides in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus: a genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Scientific Reports, Springer Science and Business Media LLC vol. 9 (1) 20-06-2019
Philippe H, Poustka AJ, Chiodin M, Hoff KJ, Dessimoz C, Tomiczek B, Schiffer PH, Müller S, Domman D, Horn M, Kuhl H, Timmermann B, Satoh N, Hikosaka-Katayama T, Nakano H, Rowe ML, Elphick MR, Thomas-Chollier M, Hankeln T, Mertes F, et al. (2019). Mitigating Anticipated Effects of Systematic Errors Supports Sister-Group Relationship between Xenacoelomorpha and Ambulacraria. Current Biology, Elsevier vol. 29 (11), 1818-1826.e6. 16-05-2019
Byrne M, Mazzone F, Elphick MR, Thorndyke MC and Cisternas P (2019). Expression of the neuropeptide SALMFamide-1 during regeneration of the seastar radial nerve cord following arm autotomy. Proc Biol Sci vol. 286 (1901), 20182701-20182701. 24-04-2019
2018
Tran KK, Jayawardena BM, Elphick MR and Jones CE (2018). A gonadotropin-releasing hormone type neuropeptide with a high affinity binding site for copper(ii) and nickel(ii). Metallomics 12-12-2018
Wood NJ, Mattiello T, Rowe ML, Ward L, Perillo M, Arnone MI, Elphick MR and Oliveri P (2018). Neuropeptidergic Systems in Pluteus Larvae of the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus: Neurochemical Complexity in a Simple Nervous System. FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY vol. 9 25-10-2018
Tinoco AB, Semmens DC, Patching EC, Gunner EF, Egertová M and Elphick MR (2018). Characterization of NGFFYamide Signaling in Starfish Reveals Roles in Regulation of Feeding Behavior and Locomotory Systems. Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers vol. 9 19-09-2018
Cai W, Kim C-H, Go H-J, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Park NG and Elphick MR (2018). Biochemical, Anatomical, and Pharmacological Characterization of Calcitonin-Type Neuropeptides in Starfish: Discovery of an Ancient Role as Muscle Relaxants. Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers vol. 12 08-06-2018
Yañez-Guerra LA, DELROISSE J, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Slade S, Scrivens J and ELPHICK MR (2018). Discovery and functional characterisation of a luqin-type neuropeptide signalling system in a deuterostome. Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group 08-05-2018
Kim C-H, Go H-J, Oh HY, Park JB, Lee TK, Seo J-K, ELPHICK MR and Park NG (2018). Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the sea star Patiria pectinifera. Developmental & Comparative Immunology 04-05-2018
Kim C-H, Go H-J, Oh HY, ELPHICK MR and Park NG (2018). Identification of evolutionarily conserved residues required for the bioactivity of a pedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptide. Peptides, Elsevier 10-03-2018
Dylus D, Czarkwiani A, BLOWES L, ELPHICK MR and Oliveri P (2018). Developmental transcriptomics of the brittle star Amphiura filiformis reveals gene regulatory network rewiring in echinoderm larval skeleton evolution. Genome Biology, BioMed Central vol. 19 28-02-2018
ELPHICK MR, Mirabeau O and Larhammar D (2018). Evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems. Journal of Experimental Biology, Company of Biologists 09-02-2018
Gupta HS, Szulgit G, Elphick MR and Mo J (2018). Unlocking the secrets of mutable collagenous tissue. Biochemist vol. 40 (1), 8-11. 01-02-2018
Li L, Su S, Perry CJ, Elphick MR, Chittka L and Søvik E (2018). Large-scale transcriptome changes in the process of long-term visual memory formation in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris. Sci Rep vol. 8 (1), 534-534. 11-01-2018
2017
LIN M, EGERTOVA M, Zampronio C, Jones A and ELPHICK MR (2017). Functional characterization of a second pedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptide signaling system in the starfish Asterias rubens. Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley 08-12-2017
Suwansa-Ard S, Chaiyamoon A, Talarovicova A, Tinikul R, Tinikul Y, Poomtong T, Elphick MR, Cummins SF and Sobhon P (2017). Transcriptomic discovery and comparative analysis of neuropeptide precursors in sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea). Peptides 18-10-2017
Li L, MaBouDi H, Egertová M, Elphick MR, Chittka L and Perry CJ (2017). A possible structural correlate of learning performance on a colour discrimination task in the brain of the bumblebee. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 284 (1864) 04-10-2017
Tian S, Egertova M and Elphick MR (2017). Functional Characterization of Paralogous Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Type and Corazonin-Type Neuropeptides in an Echinoderm. Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media vol. 8, 1-24. 29-09-2017
Kim CH, Go HJ, Oh HY, Jo YH, Elphick MR and Park NG (2017). Transcriptomics reveals tissue/organ-specific differences in gene expression in the starfish Patiria pectinifera. Marine Genomics, Elsevier 09-09-2017
Zandawala M, Moghul I, Yanez Guerra LA, Delroisse J, Abylkassimova N, Hugall AF, O'Hara TD and Elphick MR (2017). Discovery of novel representatives of bilaterian neuropeptide families and reconstruction of neuropeptide precursor evolution in ophiuroid echinoderms. Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 7, 1-20. 06-09-2017
Lin M, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR (2017). Pedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptide signaling in a deuterostome: The anatomy and pharmacology of starfish myorelaxant peptide in Asterias rubens. Journal of Comparative Neurology 28-08-2017
Blowes LM, Egertova M, Liu Y, Davis GR, Terrill NJ, Gupta HS and ELPHICK MR (2017). Body wall structure in the starfish Asterias rubens. Journal of Anatomy, Wiley 16-07-2017
ELPHICK MR, Tian S and Zandawala M (2017). The evolution and nomenclature of GnRH-type and corazonin-type neuropeptide signaling systems. General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier 13-06-2017
Smith MK, Wang T, Suwansa-Ard S, Motti CA, Elizur A, Zhao M, Rowe ML, Hall MR, Elphick MR and Cummins SF (2017). The neuropeptidome of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, Acanthaster planci. J Proteomics 31-05-2017
ELPHICK MR and Semmens (2017). The evolution of neuropeptide signalling: insights from echinoderms. Briefings in Functional Genomics, Oxford University Press (OUP) 21-04-2017
2016
Mayorova TD, Tian S, Cai W, Semmens DC, Odekunle EA, Zandawala M, Badi Y, Rowe ML, Egertová M and Elphick MR (2016). Localization of Neuropeptide Gene Expression in Larvae of an Echinoderm, the Starfish Asterias rubens. Front Neurosci, Frontiers Media vol. 10, 553-553. 01-12-2016
Lin M, Mita M, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR (2016). Cellular localization of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide expression in Asterias rubens: New insights into neurohormonal control of spawning in starfish. J Comp Neurol 02-11-2016
Mo J, Prévost SF, Blowes LM, Egertová M, Terrill NJ, Wang W, Elphick MR and Gupta HS (2016). Interfibrillar stiffening of echinoderm mutable collagenous tissue demonstrated at the nanoscale. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 05-10-2016
Tian S, Zandawala M, Beets I, Baytemur E, Slade SE, Scrivens JH and ELPHICK MR (2016). Urbilaterian origin of paralogous GnRH and corazonin neuropeptide signalling pathways. Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Journals - Option C vol. 6 28-06-2016
Kim C, Kim EJ, Go H, Oh HY, Lin M, Elphick MR and Park NG (2016). Identification of a novel starfish neuropeptide that acts as a muscle relaxant. Journal of Neurochemistry, Wiley vol. 137 (1), 33-45. 03-03-2016
Semmens DC, Mirabeau O, Moghul I, Pancholi MR, Wurm Y and Elphick MR (2016). Transcriptomic identification of starfish neuropeptide precursors yields new insights into neuropeptide evolution. Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 6 (2) 01-02-2016
Jones CE, Zandawala M, Semmens DC, Anderson S, Hanson GR, Janies DA and Elphick MR (2016). Identification of a neuropeptide precursor protein that gives rise to a cocktail of peptides that bind Cu(II) and generate metal-linked dimers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS vol. 1860 (1), 57-66. 01-01-2016
2015
D'Aniello S, Delroisse J, Valero-Gracia A, Lowe EK, Byrne M, Cannon JT, Halanych KM, Elphick MR, Mallefet J, Kaul-Strehlow S, Lowe CJ, Flammang P, Ullrich-Lüter E, Wanninger A and Arnone MI (2015). Opsin evolution in the Ambulacraria. Marine Genomics vol. 24, 177-183. 01-12-2015
Jones CE, Zandawala M, Semmens DC, Anderson S, Hanson GR, Janies DA and Elphick MR (2015). Identification of a neuropeptide precursor protein that gives rise to a “cocktail” of peptides that bind Cu(II) and generate metal-linked dimers. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, Elsevier vol. 1860 (1), 57-66. 22-10-2015
Tian S, Zandawala M, Egertova M, Beets I, Slade SE, Scrivens JH and Elphick MR (2015). Characterisation of a GnRH-type signalling system in an echinoderm. Endocrine Abstracts, Bioscientifica 12-10-2015
Cai W, Egertova M, Badi Y, Semmens D and Elphick M (2015). Discovery and localisation of the expression of calcitonin-type and CRH-type neuropeptide precursors in an echinoderm. Endocrine Abstracts, Bioscientifica 12-10-2015
Christensen AB, Herman JL, Elphick MR, Kober KM, Janies D, Linchangco G, Semmens DC, Bailly X, Vinogradov SN and Hoogewijs D (2015). Phylogeny of Echinoderm Hemoglobins. PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS) vol. 10 (8) 06-08-2015
Semmens DC, Beets I, Rowe ML, Blowes LM, Oliveri P and Elphick MR (2015). Discovery of sea urchin NGFFFamide receptor unites a bilaterian neuropeptide family. Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 5 (4) 01-04-2015
Guggenhuber S, Alpar A, Chen R, Schmitz N, Wickert M, Mattheus T, Harasta AE, Purrio M, Kaiser N, Elphick MR, Monory K, Kilb W, Luhmann HJ, Harkany T, Lutz B and Klugmann M (2015). Cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein Crip1a modulates CB1 receptor signaling in mouse hippocampus. Brain Structure and Function, Springer Nature vol. 221 (4), 2061-2074. 15-03-2015
Smith TH, Blume LC, Straiker A, Cox JO, David BG, McVoy JRS, Sayers KW, Poklis JL, Abdullah RA, Egertová M, Chen C-K, Mackie K, Elphick MR, Howlett AC and Selley DE (2015). Cannabinoid Receptor–Interacting Protein 1a Modulates CB1 Receptor Signaling and Regulation. Molecular Pharmacology, American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) vol. 87 (4), 747-765. 05-02-2015
Elphick MR, Semmens DC, Blowes LM, Levine J, Lowe CJ, Arnone MI and Clark MS (2015). Reconstructing SALMFamide Neuropeptide Precursor Evolution in the Phylum Echinodermata: Ophiuroid and Crinoid Sequence Data Provide New Insights. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) vol. 6 01-01-2015
2014
Jones CE, Otara CB, Younan ND, Viles JH and Elphick MR (2014). Bioactivity and structural properties of chimeric analogs of the starfish SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2. Biochim Biophys Acta vol. 1844 (10), 1842-1850. 01-10-2014
Elphick MR (2014). SALMFamide salmagundi: the biology of a neuropeptide family in echinoderms. Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 205, 23-35. 01-09-2014
Otara CB, Jones CE, Younan ND, Viles JH and Elphick MR (2014). Structural analysis of the starfish SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2: the N-terminal region of S2 facilitates self-association. Biochim Biophys Acta vol. 1844 (2), 358-365. 01-02-2014
Rowe ML, Achhala S and Elphick MR (2014). Neuropeptides and polypeptide hormones in echinoderms: new insights from analysis of the transcriptome of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 197, 43-55. 01-02-2014
Elphick MR and Mirabeau O (2014). The Evolution and Variety of RFamide-Type Neuropeptides: Insights from Deuterostomian Invertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) vol. 5 01-01-2014
Bedse G, Romano A, Cianci S, Lavecchia AM, Lorenzo P, Elphick MR, Laferla FM, Vendemiale G, Grillo C, Altieri F, Cassano T and Gaetani S (2014). Altered expression of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis vol. 40 (3), 701-712. 01-01-2014
2013
Semmens DC, Dane RE, Pancholi MR, Slade SE, Scrivens JH and Elphick MR (2013). Discovery of a novel neurophysin-associated neuropeptide that triggers cardiac stomach contraction and retraction in starfish. J Exp Biol vol. 216 (Pt 21), 4047-4053. 01-11-2013
Elphick MR (2013). From gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone to SIFamides: are echinoderm SALMFamides the missing link in a bilaterian family of neuropeptides that regulate reproductive processes? Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 193, 229-233. 01-11-2013
Schneider M and Elphick MR (2013). Neuropharmacology of Cannabinoids. Biological Research on Addiction: Comprehensive Addictive Behaviors and Disorders 593-603. 26-02-2013
ELPHICK MR, Achhala S and Martynyuk N (2013). The evolution and diversity of SALMFamide neuropeptides. PLoS One, PlosOne vol. 8 (3) 01-01-2013
2012
Elphick MR (2012). The evolution and comparative neurobiology of endocannabinoid signalling. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci vol. 367 (1607), 3201-3215. 05-12-2012
Rowe ML and Elphick MR (2012). The neuropeptide transcriptome of a model echinoderm, the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 179 (3), 331-344. 01-12-2012
Elphick MR (2012). The protein precursors of peptides that affect the mechanics of connective tissue and/or muscle in the echinoderm Apostichopus japonicus. PLoS One vol. 7 (8) 01-01-2012
2011
Stauffer B, Wallis KT, Wilson SP, Egertova M, Elphick MR, Lewis DL and Hardy LR (2011). CRIP1a switches cannabinoid receptor agonist/antagonist-mediated protection from glutamate excitotoxicity. NEUROSCI LETT vol. 503 (3), 224-228. 10-10-2011
2010
Pertwee RG, Howlett AC, Abood ME, Alexander SPH, Di Marzo V, Elphick MR, Greasley PJ, Hansen HS, Kunos G, Mackie K, Mechoulam R and Ross RA (2010). International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXIX. Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Ligands: Beyond CB1 and CB2. PHARMACOL REV vol. 62 (4), 588-631. 01-12-2010
Elphick MR (2010). NG peptides: a novel family of neurophysin-associated neuropeptides. Gene vol. 458 (1-2), 20-26. 15-06-2010
Rowe ML and Elphick MR (2010). Discovery of a second SALMFamide gene in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus reveals that L-type and F-type SALMFamide neuropeptides coexist in an echinoderm species. MAR GENOM vol. 3 (2), 91-97. 01-06-2010
2009
Blair RE, Deshpande LS, Sombati S, Elphick MR, Martin BR and DeLorenzo RJ (2009). Prolonged exposure to WIN55,212-2 causes downregulation of the CB1 receptor and the development of tolerance to its anticonvulsant effects in the hippocampal neuronal culture model of acquired epilepsy. NEUROPHARMACOLOGY vol. 57 (3), 208-218. 01-09-2009
Guasti L, Richardson D, Jhaveri M, Eldeeb K, Barrett D, Elphick MR, Alexander SPH, Kendall D, Michael GJ and Chapman V (2009). Minocycline treatment inhibits microglial activation and alters spinal levels of endocannabinoids in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Mol Pain vol. 5 01-07-2009
Chan LF, Webb TR, Chung T-T, Meimaridou E, Cooray SN, Guasti L, Chapple JP, Egertová M, Elphick MR, Cheetham ME, Metherell LA and Clark AJL (2009). MRAP and MRAP2 are bidirectional regulators of the melanocortin receptor family. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A vol. 106 (15), 6146-6151. 14-04-2009
Elphick MR and Rowe ML (2009). NGFFFamide and echinotocin: structurally unrelated myoactive neuropeptides derived from neurophysin-containing precursors in sea urchins. J Exp Biol vol. 212 (Pt 8), 1067-1077. 01-04-2009
Lever IJ, Robinson M, Cibelli M, Paule C, Santha P, Yee L, Hunt SP, Cravatt BF, Elphick MR, Nagy I and Rice ASC (2009). Localization of the Endocannabinoid-Degrading Enzyme Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Cells and Its Regulation after Peripheral Nerve Injury. J NEUROSCI vol. 29 (12), 3766-3780. 25-03-2009
Hardt TA, Elphick M, Lewis DL and Selley DE (2009). Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein (CRIP1a) attenuates CB1 signalling. FASEB JOURNAL vol. 23 01-01-2009
Elphick MR and Egertová M (2009). Cannabinoid Receptor Genetics and Evolution. The Cannabinoid Receptors 123-149. 01-01-2009
2008
Cooray SN, Almiro Do Vale I, Leung K-Y, Webb TR, Chapple JP, Egertová M, Cheetham ME, Elphick MR and Clark AJL (2008). The melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein exists as a homodimer and is essential for the function of the melanocortin 2 receptor in the mouse y1 cell line. Endocrinology vol. 149 (4), 1935-1941. 01-04-2008
Hardt TA, Selley DE, Elphick MR, Lewis D, He H and Hernandez J (2008). Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein (CRIP1a) affects CB1 signaling. The FASEB Journal, Wiley vol. 22 (S1), 726.8-726.8. 01-03-2008
Egertová M, Simon GM, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR (2008). Localization of N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) expression in mouse brain: A new perspective on N-acylethanolamines as neural signaling molecules. J Comp Neurol vol. 506 (4), 604-615. 01-02-2008
2007
Niehaus JL, Liu Y, Wallis KT, Egertová M, Bhartur SG, Mukhopadhyay S, Shi S, He H, Selley DE, Howlett AC, Elphick MR and Lewis DL (2007). CB1 cannabinoid receptor activity is modulated by the cannabinoid receptor interacting protein CRIP 1a. Mol Pharmacol vol. 72 (6), 1557-1566. 01-12-2007
Elphick MR (2007). BfCBR: A cannabinoid receptor ortholog in the cephalochordate Branchiostoma floridae (Amphioxus). GENE vol. 399 (1), 65-71. 01-09-2007
Egertova M and Elphick MR (2007). Localization of CiCBR in the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis: Evidence of an ancient role for cannabinoid receptors as axonal regulators of neuronal signalling. J COMP NEUROL vol. 502 (4), 660-672. 01-06-2007
Yun SS, Thorndyke MC and Elphick MR (2007). Identification of novel SALMFamide neuropeptides in the starfish Marthasterias glacialis. COMP BIOCHEM PHYS A vol. 147 (2), 536-542. 01-06-2007
Rowe M and Elphick M (2007). Neuropeptide structure and function in sea urchins. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Elsevier vol. 146 (4) 01-04-2007
Ott SR, Aonuma H, Newland PL and Elphick MR (2007). Nitric oxide synthase in crayfish walking leg ganglia: Segmental differences in chemo-tactile centers argue against a generic role in sensory integration. J COMP NEUROL vol. 501 (3), 381-399. 20-03-2007
Ott SR, Philippides A, Elphick MR and O'Shea M (2007). Enhanced fidelity of diffusive nitric oxide signalling by the spatial segregation of source and target neurones in the memory centre of an insect brain. Eur J Neurosci vol. 25 (1), 181-190. 01-01-2007
2006
Burke RD, Angerer LM, Elphick MR, Humphrey GW, Yaguchi S, Kiyama T, Liang S, Mu X, Agca C, Klein WH, Brandhorst BP, Rowe M, Wilson K, Churcher AM, Taylor JS, Chen N, Murray G, Wang D, Mellott D, Olinski R, et al. (2006). A genomic view of the sea urchin nervous system. DEV BIOL vol. 300 (1), 434-460. 01-12-2006
Sea Urchin Genome Sequencing Consortium , Sodergren E, Weinstock GM, Davidson EH, Cameron RA, Gibbs RA, Angerer RC, Angerer LM, Arnone MI, Burgess DR, Burke RD, Coffman JA, Dean M, Elphick MR, Ettensohn CA, Foltz KR, Hamdoun A, Hynes RO, Klein WH, Marzluff W, et al. (2006). The genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Science vol. 314 (5801), 941-952. 10-11-2006
Sodergren E, Weinstock GM, Davidson EH, Cameron RA, Gibbs RA, , Angerer RC, Angerer LM, Arnone MI, Burgess DR, Burke RD, , Coffman JA, , Dean M, Elphick MR, Ettensohn CA, Foltz KR, Hamdoun A, Hynes RO, et al. (2006). Research article - The genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. SCIENCE vol. 314 (5801), 941-952. 10-11-2006
Monory K, Massa F, Egertova M, Eder M, Blaudzun H, Westenbroek R, Kelsch W, Jacob W, Marsch R, Ekker M, Long J, Rubenstein JL, Goebbels S, Nave KA, During M, Klugmann M, Wolfel B, Dodt HU, Zieglgansberger W, Wotjak CT, et al. (2006). The endocannabinoid system controls key epileptogenic circuits in the hippocampus. NEURON vol. 51 (4), 455-466. 17-08-2006
2005
Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC (2005). Molecular characterisation of SALMFamide neuropeptides in sea urchins. J Exp Biol vol. 208 (Pt 22), 4273-4282. 01-11-2005
Otara CB, Jones CE, Melarange R, Viles JH and Elphick MR (2005). Tertiary structure and activity of SALMFamide neuropeptides. COMP BIOCHEM PHYS A vol. 141 (3), S161-S161. 01-07-2005
Elphick MR (2005). Neuropeptide structure and function in echinoderms. COMP BIOCHEM PHYS A vol. 141 (3), S160-S161. 01-07-2005
Elphick MR and Egertová M (2005). The phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary origins of endocannabinoid signalling. Handb Exp Pharmacol (168), 283-297. 01-01-2005
Kurylas AE, Ott SR, Schachtner J, ELPHICK MR, Williams L and Homberg U (2005). Localization of nitric oxide synthase in the central complex and surrounding midbrain neuropils of the locust Schistocerca gregaria. J. Comp. Neurol vol. 484 (2), 206-223. 01-01-2005
2004
Egertová M, Michael GJ, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR (2004). Fatty acid amide hydrolase in brain ventricular epithelium: mutually exclusive patterns of expression in mouse and rat. J Chem Neuroanat vol. 28 (3), 171-181. 01-11-2004
Ott SR, Delago A and Elphick MR (2004). An evolutionarily conserved mechanism for sensitization of soluble guanylyl cyclase reveals extensive nitric oxide-mediated upregulation of cyclic GMP in insect brain. Eur J Neurosci vol. 20 (5), 1231-1244. 01-09-2004
2003
Ott SR and Elphick MR (2003). New techniques for whole-mount NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry demonstrated in insect ganglia. J Histochem Cytochem vol. 51 (4), 523-532. 01-04-2003
Melarange R and Elphick MR (2003). Comparative analysis of nitric oxide and SALMFamide neuropeptides as general muscle relaxants in starfish. J EXP BIOL vol. 206 (5), 893-899. 01-03-2003
Elphick MR, Satou Y and Satoh N (2003). The invertebrate ancestry of endocannabinoid signalling: an orthologue of vertebrate cannabinoid receptors in the urochordate Ciona intestinalis. GENE vol. 302 (1-2), 95-101. 02-01-2003
Bridges D, Rice ASC, Egertova M, Elphick MR, Winter J and Michael GJ (2003). Localisation of cannabinoid receptor 1 in rat dorsal root ganglion using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. 01-01-2003
Egertova M, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR (2003). Comparative analysis of fatty acid amide hydrolase and CB1 cannabinoid receptor expression in the mouse brain: Evidence of a widespread role for fatty acid amide hydrolase in regulation of endocannabinoid signaling. NEUROSCIENCE vol. 119 (2), 481-496. 01-01-2003
2002
Ott SR and Elphick MR (2002). Nitric oxide synthase histochemistry in insect nervous systems: Methanol/formalin fixation reveals the neuroarchitecture of formaldehyde-sensitive NADPH diaphorase in the cockroach Periplaneta americana. J Comp Neurol vol. 448 (2), 165-185. 24-06-2002
Elphick MR (2002). Evolution of cannabinoid receptors in vertebrates: Identification of a CB2 gene in the puffer fish Fugu rubripes. BIOL BULL vol. 202 (2), 104-107. 01-04-2002
2001
Elphick MR and Melarange R (2001). Neural control of muscle relaxation in echinoderms. Journal of Experimental Biology vol. 204 (5), 875-885. 01-12-2001
Ott SR, Burrows M and Elphick MR (2001). The neuroanatomy of nitric oxide-cyclic GMP signaling in the locust: Functional implications for sensory systems. 01-04-2001
Elphick MR and Egertová M (2001). The neurobiology and evolution of cannabinoid signalling. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci vol. 356 (1407), 381-408. 29-03-2001
Elphick MR and Melarange R (2001). Neural control of muscle relaxation in echinoderms. J Exp Biol vol. 204 (Pt 5), 875-885. 01-03-2001
2000
Egertová M and Elphick MR (2000). Localisation of cannabinoid receptors in the rat brain using antibodies to the intracellular C-terminal tail of CB26-06-2000
Farquhar-Smith WP, Egertová M, Bradbury EJ, McMahon SB, Rice ASC and Elphick MR (2000). Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Expression in Rat Spinal Cord. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Elsevier vol. 15 (6), 510-521. 01-06-2000
Egertová M and Elphick MR (2000). Localisation of cannabinoid receptors in the rat brain using antibodies to the intracellular C‐terminal tail of CB1. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley vol. 422 (2), 159-171. 24-05-2000
Egertová M, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR (2000). Fatty acid amide hydrolase expression in rat choroid plexus: possible role in regulation of the sleep-inducing action of oleamide. Neuroscience Letters, Elsevier vol. 282 (1-2), 13-16. 01-03-2000
Ott SR, Jones IW, Burrows M and Elphick MR (2000). Sensory afferents and motor neurons as targets for nitric oxide in the locust. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley vol. 422 (4), 521-532. 01-01-2000
1999
Melarange R, Potton DJ, Thorndyke MC and Elphick MR (1999). SALMFamide neuropeptides cause relaxation and eversion of the cardiac stomach in starfish. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 266 (1430), 1785-1789. 07-09-1999
Jones IW and Elphick MR (1999). Dark-dependent soluble guanylyl cyclase activity in locust photoreceptor cells. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 266 (1417), 413-419. 22-02-1999
1998
Egertov M, Giang DK, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR (1998). A new perspective on cannabinoid signalling: complimentary localization of fatty acid amide hydrolase and the CB1 receptor in rat brain. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 265 (1410), 2081-2085. 07-11-1998
Elphick MR and Jones IW (1998). Localization of soluble guanylyl cyclase α-subunit in identified insect neurons. Brain Research, Elsevier vol. 800 (1), 174-179. 01-07-1998
Elphick MR and Melarange R (1998). Nitric Oxide Function in an Echinoderm. Biological Bulletin, University of Chicago Press vol. 194 (3), 260-266. 01-06-1998
Elphick M (1998). An invertebrate G-protein coupled receptor is a chimeric cannabinoid/melanocortin receptor. Brain Research vol. 780 (1), 168-171. 05-01-1998
Elphick MR (1998). An invertebrate G-protein coupled receptor is a chimeric cannabinoid/melanocortin receptor. Brain Research, Elsevier vol. 780 (1), 170-173. 01-01-1998
1997
Elphick MR and Schleiffer R (1997). Comparative Physiology of the l-Arginine-Nitric Oxide Pathway: An Overview of a Symposium at the 4th International Congress of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, 1995. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Elsevier vol. 118 (4), 921-923. 01-12-1997
Elphick MR (1997). Localization of nitric oxide synthase using NADPH diaphorase histochemistry. 01-01-1997
Elphick MR (1997). Localization of Nitric Oxide Synthase Using NADPH Diaphorase Histochemistry. Neurotransmitter Methods 153-158. 01-01-1997
1996
Elphick MR, Williams L and O'Shea M (1996). New features of the locust optic lobe: Evidence of a role for nitric oxide in insect vision. Journal of Experimental Biology vol. 199 (11), 2395-2407. 01-11-1996
Elphick MR, Williams L and O’shea M (1996). New Features of the Locust Optic Lobe: Evidence of a Role for Nitric Oxide in Insect Vision. Journal of Experimental Biology, The Company of Biologists vol. 199 (11), 2395-2407. 01-11-1996
Elphick MR (1996). Biochemical, Pharmacological and Clinical Aspects of Nitric Oxide. Journal of Neurochemistry, Wiley vol. 67 (1), 438-438. 01-07-1996
1995
Elphick MR, Newman SJ and Thorndyke MC (1995). Distribution and action of SALMFamide neuropeptides in the starfish Asterias rubens. J Exp Biol vol. 198 (Pt 12), 2519-2525. 01-12-1995
Elphick , Kemenes G, Staras K and O'Shea M (1995). Behavioral role for nitric oxide in chemosensory activation of feeding in a mollusc. Journal of Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience vol. 15 (11), 7653-7664. 01-11-1995
Newman SJ, Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC (1995). Tissue Distribution of the SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2 in the starfish Asterias rubens using novel monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. II. Digestive system. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 261 (1361), 187-192. 22-08-1995
Newman SJ, Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC (1995). Tissue distribution of the SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2 in the starfish Asterias rubens using novel monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. I. Nervous and locomotory systems. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 261 (1360), 139-145. 22-07-1995
Elphick MR, Rayne RC, Riveros-Moreno V, Moncada S and O’Shea M (1995). Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Locust Olfactory Interneurones. Journal of Experimental Biology, The Company of Biologists vol. 198 (3), 821-829. 01-03-1995
Elphick MR, Rayne RC, Riveros-Moreno V, Moncada S and O'Shea M (1995). Nitric oxide synthesis in locust olfactory interneurones. Journal of Experimental Biology vol. 198 (3), 821-829. 01-01-1995
1994
Green IC, Cunningham JM, Delaney CA, Elphick MR, Mabley JG and Green MHL (1994). Effects of cytokines and nitric oxide donors on insulin secretion, cyclic GMP and DNA damage: relation to nitric oxide production. Biochemical Society Transactions, Portland Press vol. 22 (1), 30-37. 01-02-1994
1993
Elphick MR, Green IC and O'Shea M (1993). Nitric oxide synthesis and action in an invertebrate brain. Brain Research, Elsevier vol. 619 (1-2), 344-346. 01-08-1993
1991
Elphick MR, Reeve JR, Burke RD and Thorndyke MC (1991). Isolation of the neuropeptide SALMFamide-1 from starfish using a new antiserum. Peptides, Elsevier vol. 12 (3), 455-459. 01-05-1991
Elphick MR, Price DA, Lee TD and Thorndyke MC (1991). The SALMFamides: a new family of neuropeptides isolated from an echinoderm. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 243 (1307), 121-127. 22-02-1991
Andrews EB, Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC (1991). Pharmacologically active constituents of the accessory salivary and hypobranchial glands of Nucella lapillus. Journal of Molluscan Studies, Oxford University Press (OUP) vol. 57 (1), 136-138. 01-01-1991
1989
ELPHICK MR, EMSON RH and THORNDYKE MC (1989). FMRFamide-like Immunoreactivity in the Nervous System of the Starfish Asterias rubens. Biological Bulletin, University of Chicago Press vol. 177 (1), 141-145. 01-08-1989
Grants
Grants of specific relevance to the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional GenomicsDiscovering missing links in neuropeptide evolution and functionMaurice Elphick and Arianna Fornili
£576,040 BBSRC Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (01-06-2023 - 31-05-2026)
A confocal microscope for multidisciplinary dynamic studies of complex biological systemsConrad Mullineaux, Caroline Brennan, Alexandre De Mendoza Soler, Viji Draviam Sastry, Maurice Elphick, Christoph Engl, Maria Isabel Palacios De Castro, Matteo Palma, Marina Resmini, Alexander Ruban, Peter Thorpe, Angelika Stollewerk, Jose Martin Duran, Paulo Baptista Ribeiro, Susana Alves Godinho, Richard Grose, Stephanie Kermorgant, Peter McCormick and Tyson Sharp
£390,834 BBSRC Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (01-08-2022 - 31-07-2023)