Prof Maurice Elphick

Maurice Elphick

Professor of Animal Physiology and Neuroscience

School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
Queen Mary University of London
www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/staff/mauriceelphick.html
Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics
Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability
Centre for Brain and Behaviour
Centre for Molecular Cell Biology
ORCID Scopus Google Scholar LinkedIn X

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

solid heart iconPublications of specific relevance to the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics

2024

bullet iconDiscovery of a neuropeptide that acts as an autotomy-promoting factor
Tinoco A, Kirupakaran V, Capatina D, Egertová M and Elphick M
Current Biology, Cell Press 
29-08-2024
bullet iconA feather star is born: embryonic development and nervous system organization in the crinoid Antedon mediterranea
Mercurio S, Gattoni G, Scarì G, Ascagni M, Barzaghi B, Elphick MR, Croce JC, Schubert M, Benito-Gutiérrez E and Pennati R
Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 14 (8), 240115-240115.  
21-08-2024
bullet iconNeuropeptide expression and action in the reproductive system of the starfish Asterias rubens
Piñon Gonzalez V, Feng Y, Egertová M and Elphick M
The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley 
27-01-2024

2023

bullet iconNeuropeptide Signaling in Echinoderms: From “Physiologic Activity of Nerve Extracts” to Neuropeptidomics and Beyond
Elphick MR
In Frontiers in Invertebrate Physiology: a Collection of Reviews, Taylor & Francis 433-484.  
08-12-2023
bullet iconGonadotropic activity of a second relaxin-type peptide in starfish
Mita M, Feng Y, Piñon-Gonzalez VM, Elphick MR and Katayama H
General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier vol. 343, 114369-114369.  
22-08-2023
bullet iconLocalization of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide expression in starfish reveals the gonoducts as a source for its role as a regulator of spawning.
Feng Y, Piñon Gonzalez VM, Lin M, Egertová M, Mita M and Elphick MR
J Comp Neurol 
22-05-2023
bullet iconStructure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) radial nerve cord
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
Scientific Reports, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 13 (1) 
27-02-2023
bullet iconImmunohistochemical 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
Tinoco AB, Egertová M and Elphick MR
Cell and Tissue Research, Springer Science and Business Media Llc 
19-01-2023

2022

bullet iconDiscovery and functional characterization of neuropeptides in crinoid echinoderms
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
Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 16 
13-12-2022
bullet iconReceptor deorphanization in an echinoderm reveals kisspeptin evolution and relationship with SALMFamide neuropeptides
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
Bmc Biology, Biomed Central vol. 20 (1) 
24-08-2022
bullet iconSomatostatin-type and allatostatin-C–type neuropeptides are paralogous and have opposing myoregulatory roles in an echinoderm
Zhang Y, Yanez-Guerra LA, Tinoco AB, Escudero Castelán N, Egertová M and Elphick M
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of Usa, National Academy of Sciences vol. 119 (7, e2113589119), 1-12.  
10-02-2022

2021

bullet iconAncient role of sulfakinin/cholecystokinin-type signalling in inhibitory regulation of feeding processes revealed in an echinoderm
Tinoco AB, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Yañez Guerra LA, Delroisse J, Zhang Y, Gunner EF, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Egertová M and Elphick MR
Elife, Elife Sciences Publications Ltd vol. 10 
07-09-2021
bullet iconThe Mutable Collagenous Tissue of Echinoderms: From Biology to Biomedical Applications
Elphick M
Soft Matter For Biomedical Applications, Royal Society of Chemistry 
11-06-2021
bullet iconA specific and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measurement of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide in the starfish Asterias rubens
Mita M, Elphick MR and Katayama H
General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier Bv, 113831-113831.  
04-06-2021
bullet iconThe development and neuronal complexity of bipinnaria larvae of the sea star Asterias rubens.
Carter HF, Thompson JR, Elphick MR and Oliveri P
Integr Comp Biol 
27-05-2021
bullet iconMolecular identification and cellular localisation of a corticotropin-releasing hormone type neuropeptide in an echinoderm
Cai W, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR
Neuroendocrinology: International Journal For Basic and Clinical Studies On Neuroendocrine Relationships, Karger Publishers 
07-05-2021

2020

bullet iconMolecular and functional characterization of somatostatin-type signalling in a deuterostome invertebrate
Zhang Y, Yañez Guerra LA, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR
Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 10 (9), 200172-200172.  
09-09-2020
bullet iconEchinoderms provide missing link in the evolution of PrRP/sNPF-type neuropeptide signalling
Yañez-Guerra LA, Zhong X, Moghul I, Butts T, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Mirabeau O and Elphick MR
Elife, Elife Sciences Publications, Ltd vol. 9 
24-06-2020
bullet iconComparative and Evolutionary Physiology of Vasopressin/ Oxytocin-Type Neuropeptide Signaling in Invertebrates
Odekunle EA and Elphick MR
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 11 
17-04-2020
bullet iconEvolution and comparative physiology of luqin-type neuropeptide signalling
Yanez-Guerra L and Elphick M
Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers Media 
18-02-2020
bullet iconNeuropeptide Signaling in Echinoderms: From “Physiologic Activity of Nerve Extracts” to Neuropeptidomics and Beyond
Elphick MR
In Advances in Invertebrate (Neuro)Endocrinology, Taylor & Francis 125-172.  
14-02-2020

2019

bullet iconCholecystokinin in the central nervous system of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus: precursor identification and neuroanatomical relationships with other neuronal signalling systems
Sobrido-Cameán D, Yáñez-Guerra LA, Robledo D, López-Varela E, Rodicio MC, Elphick MR, Anadón R and Barreiro-Iglesias A
Brain Structure and Function, Springer Verlag 
05-12-2019
bullet iconEffect of chimeric relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptides on oocyte maturation and ovulation in the starfish Asterias rubens and Aphelasterias japonica
Mita M, Elphick M and Katayama H
General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier 
02-12-2019
bullet iconRoles of copper in neurokinin B and gonadotropin-releasing hormone structure and function and the endocrinology of reproduction.
Peacey L, Elphick MR and Jones CE
General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier, 113342-113342.  
26-11-2019
bullet iconEditorial: Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Systems of Invertebrate Deuterostomes
Satake H, Larhammar D and Elphick MR
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media vol. 10 
01-11-2019
bullet iconGalanin in an Agnathan: Precursor Identification and Localisation of Expression in the Brain of the Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus
Sobrido-Cameán D, Yáñez-Guerra LA, Lamanna F, Conde-Fernández C, Kaessmann H, Elphick MR, Anadón R, Rodicio MC and Barreiro-Iglesias A
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 13 
13-09-2019
bullet iconAncient role of vasopressin/oxytocin-type neuropeptides as regulators of feeding revealed in an echinoderm
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
Bmc Biology, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 17 (1) 
31-07-2019
bullet iconUrbilaterian origin and evolution of sNPF-type neuropeptide signalling
Yañez-Guerra LA, Zhong X, Moghul I, Butts T, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Mirabeau O and Elphick MR
, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
24-07-2019
bullet iconNeuropeptide precursors and neuropeptides in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus: a genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis
Chen M, Talarovicova A, Zheng Y, Storey KB and Elphick MR
Scientific Reports, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 9 (1) 
20-06-2019
bullet iconMitigating Anticipated Effects of Systematic Errors Supports Sister-Group Relationship between Xenacoelomorpha and Ambulacraria
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.
Current Biology, Elsevier vol. 29 (11), 1818-1826.e6.  
16-05-2019
bullet iconExpression of the neuropeptide SALMFamide-1 during regeneration of the seastar radial nerve cord following arm autotomy.
Byrne M, Mazzone F, Elphick MR, Thorndyke MC and Cisternas P
Proc Biol Sci vol. 286 (1901), 20182701-20182701.  
24-04-2019

2018

bullet iconA gonadotropin-releasing hormone type neuropeptide with a high affinity binding site for copper(ii) and nickel(ii).
Tran KK, Jayawardena BM, Elphick MR and Jones CE
Metallomics 
12-12-2018
bullet iconNeuropeptidergic Systems in Pluteus Larvae of the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus: Neurochemical Complexity in a Simple Nervous System
Wood NJ, Mattiello T, Rowe ML, Ward L, Perillo M, Arnone MI, Elphick MR and Oliveri P
Frontiers in Endocrinology vol. 9 
25-10-2018
bullet iconCharacterization of NGFFYamide Signaling in Starfish Reveals Roles in Regulation of Feeding Behavior and Locomotory Systems
Tinoco AB, Semmens DC, Patching EC, Gunner EF, Egertová M and Elphick MR
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers vol. 9 
19-09-2018
bullet iconBiochemical, Anatomical, and Pharmacological Characterization of Calcitonin-Type Neuropeptides in Starfish: Discovery of an Ancient Role as Muscle Relaxants
Cai W, Kim C-H, Go H-J, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Park NG and Elphick MR
Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers vol. 12 
08-06-2018
bullet iconDiscovery and functional characterisation of a luqin-type neuropeptide signalling system in a deuterostome
Yañez-Guerra LA, DELROISSE J, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Slade S, Scrivens J and ELPHICK MR
Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group 
08-05-2018
bullet iconIdentification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the sea star Patiria pectinifera
Kim C-H, Go H-J, Oh HY, Park JB, Lee TK, Seo J-K, ELPHICK MR and Park NG
Developmental & Comparative Immunology 
04-05-2018
bullet iconIdentification of evolutionarily conserved residues required for the bioactivity of a pedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptide
Kim C-H, Go H-J, Oh HY, ELPHICK MR and Park NG
Peptides, Elsevier 
10-03-2018
bullet iconDevelopmental transcriptomics of the brittle star Amphiura filiformis reveals gene regulatory network rewiring in echinoderm larval skeleton evolution
Dylus D, Czarkwiani A, BLOWES L, ELPHICK MR and Oliveri P
Genome Biology, Biomed Central vol. 19 
28-02-2018
bullet iconEvolution of neuropeptide signalling systems
ELPHICK MR, Mirabeau O and Larhammar D
Journal of Experimental Biology, Company of Biologists 
09-02-2018
bullet iconUnlocking the secrets of mutable collagenous tissue
Gupta HS, Szulgit G, Elphick MR and Mo J
Biochemist vol. 40 (1), 8-11.  
01-02-2018
bullet iconLarge-scale transcriptome changes in the process of long-term visual memory formation in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris.
Li L, Su S, Perry CJ, Elphick MR, Chittka L and Søvik E
Sci Rep vol. 8 (1), 534-534.  
11-01-2018

2017

bullet iconFunctional characterization of a second pedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptide signaling system in the starfish Asterias rubens
LIN M, EGERTOVA M, Zampronio C, Jones A and ELPHICK MR
Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley 
08-12-2017
bullet iconTranscriptomic discovery and comparative analysis of neuropeptide precursors in sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea).
Suwansa-Ard S, Chaiyamoon A, Talarovicova A, Tinikul R, Tinikul Y, Poomtong T, Elphick MR, Cummins SF and Sobhon P
Peptides 
18-10-2017
bullet iconA possible structural correlate of learning performance on a colour discrimination task in the brain of the bumblebee
Li L, MaBouDi H, Egertová M, Elphick MR, Chittka L and Perry CJ
Proceedings of The Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 284 (1864) 
04-10-2017
bullet iconFunctional Characterization of Paralogous Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Type and Corazonin-Type Neuropeptides in an Echinoderm
Tian S, Egertova M and Elphick MR
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Frontiers Media vol. 8, 1-24.  
29-09-2017
bullet iconTranscriptomics reveals tissue/organ-specific differences in gene expression in the starfish Patiria pectinifera
Kim CH, Go HJ, Oh HY, Jo YH, Elphick MR and Park NG
Marine Genomics, Elsevier 
09-09-2017
bullet iconDiscovery of novel representatives of bilaterian neuropeptide families and reconstruction of neuropeptide precursor evolution in ophiuroid echinoderms
Zandawala M, Moghul I, Yanez Guerra LA, Delroisse J, Abylkassimova N, Hugall AF, O'Hara TD and Elphick MR
Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 7, 1-20.  
06-09-2017
bullet iconPedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptide signaling in a deuterostome: The anatomy and pharmacology of starfish myorelaxant peptide in Asterias rubens
Lin M, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR
Journal of Comparative Neurology 
28-08-2017
bullet iconBody wall structure in the starfish Asterias rubens
Blowes LM, Egertova M, Liu Y, Davis GR, Terrill NJ, Gupta HS and ELPHICK MR
Journal of Anatomy, Wiley 
16-07-2017
bullet iconThe evolution and nomenclature of GnRH-type and corazonin-type neuropeptide signaling systems
ELPHICK MR, Tian S and Zandawala M
General and Comparative Endocrinology, Elsevier 
13-06-2017
bullet iconThe neuropeptidome of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, Acanthaster planci.
Smith MK, Wang T, Suwansa-Ard S, Motti CA, Elizur A, Zhao M, Rowe ML, Hall MR, Elphick MR and Cummins SF
J Proteomics 
31-05-2017
bullet iconThe evolution of neuropeptide signalling: insights from echinoderms
ELPHICK MR and Semmens
Briefings in Functional Genomics, Oxford University Press (Oup) 
21-04-2017

2016

bullet iconLocalization of Neuropeptide Gene Expression in Larvae of an Echinoderm, the Starfish Asterias rubens.
Mayorova TD, Tian S, Cai W, Semmens DC, Odekunle EA, Zandawala M, Badi Y, Rowe ML, Egertová M and Elphick MR
Front Neurosci, Frontiers Media vol. 10, 553-553.  
01-12-2016
bullet iconCellular localization of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide expression in Asterias rubens: New insights into neurohormonal control of spawning in starfish.
Lin M, Mita M, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM and Elphick MR
J Comp Neurol 
02-11-2016
bullet iconInterfibrillar stiffening of echinoderm mutable collagenous tissue demonstrated at the nanoscale.
Mo J, Prévost SF, Blowes LM, Egertová M, Terrill NJ, Wang W, Elphick MR and Gupta HS
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 
05-10-2016
bullet iconUrbilaterian origin of paralogous GnRH and corazonin neuropeptide signalling pathways
Tian S, Zandawala M, Beets I, Baytemur E, Slade SE, Scrivens JH and ELPHICK MR
Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Journals - Option C vol. 6 
28-06-2016
bullet iconIdentification of a novel starfish neuropeptide that acts as a muscle relaxant
Kim C, Kim EJ, Go H, Oh HY, Lin M, Elphick MR and Park NG
Journal of Neurochemistry, Wiley vol. 137 (1), 33-45.  
03-03-2016
bullet iconTranscriptomic identification of starfish neuropeptide precursors yields new insights into neuropeptide evolution
Semmens DC, Mirabeau O, Moghul I, Pancholi MR, Wurm Y and Elphick MR
Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 6 (2) 
01-02-2016
bullet iconIdentification of a neuropeptide precursor protein that gives rise to a cocktail of peptides that bind Cu(II) and generate metal-linked dimers
Jones CE, Zandawala M, Semmens DC, Anderson S, Hanson GR, Janies DA and Elphick MR
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-General Subjects vol. 1860 (1), 57-66.  
01-01-2016

2015

bullet iconOpsin evolution in the Ambulacraria
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
Marine Genomics vol. 24, 177-183.  
01-12-2015
bullet iconIdentification of a neuropeptide precursor protein that gives rise to a “cocktail” of peptides that bind Cu(II) and generate metal-linked dimers
Jones CE, Zandawala M, Semmens DC, Anderson S, Hanson GR, Janies DA and Elphick MR
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, Elsevier vol. 1860 (1), 57-66.  
22-10-2015
bullet iconCharacterisation of a GnRH-type signalling system in an echinoderm
Tian S, Zandawala M, Egertova M, Beets I, Slade SE, Scrivens JH and Elphick MR
Endocrine Abstracts, Bioscientifica 
12-10-2015
bullet iconDiscovery and localisation of the expression of calcitonin-type and CRH-type neuropeptide precursors in an echinoderm
Cai W, Egertova M, Badi Y, Semmens D and Elphick M
Endocrine Abstracts, Bioscientifica 
12-10-2015
bullet iconPhylogeny of Echinoderm Hemoglobins
Christensen AB, Herman JL, Elphick MR, Kober KM, Janies D, Linchangco G, Semmens DC, Bailly X, Vinogradov SN and Hoogewijs D
Plos One, Public Library of Science (Plos) vol. 10 (8) 
06-08-2015
bullet iconDiscovery of sea urchin NGFFFamide receptor unites a bilaterian neuropeptide family
Semmens DC, Beets I, Rowe ML, Blowes LM, Oliveri P and Elphick MR
Open Biology, The Royal Society vol. 5 (4) 
01-04-2015
bullet iconCannabinoid receptor-interacting protein Crip1a modulates CB1 receptor signaling in mouse hippocampus
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
Brain Structure and Function, Springer Nature vol. 221 (4), 2061-2074.  
15-03-2015
bullet iconCannabinoid Receptor–Interacting Protein 1a Modulates CB1 Receptor Signaling and Regulation
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
Molecular Pharmacology, Elsevier vol. 87 (4), 747-765.  
05-02-2015
bullet iconReconstructing SALMFamide Neuropeptide Precursor Evolution in the Phylum Echinodermata: Ophiuroid and Crinoid Sequence Data Provide New Insights.
Elphick MR, Semmens DC, Blowes LM, Levine J, Lowe CJ, Arnone MI and Clark MS
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) vol. 6 
01-01-2015

2014

bullet iconBioactivity and structural properties of chimeric analogs of the starfish SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2.
Jones CE, Otara CB, Younan ND, Viles JH and Elphick MR
Biochim Biophys Acta vol. 1844 (10), 1842-1850.  
01-10-2014
bullet iconSALMFamide salmagundi: the biology of a neuropeptide family in echinoderms.
Elphick MR
Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 205, 23-35.  
01-09-2014
bullet iconStructural analysis of the starfish SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2: the N-terminal region of S2 facilitates self-association.
Otara CB, Jones CE, Younan ND, Viles JH and Elphick MR
Biochim Biophys Acta vol. 1844 (2), 358-365.  
01-02-2014
bullet iconNeuropeptides and polypeptide hormones in echinoderms: new insights from analysis of the transcriptome of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus.
Rowe ML, Achhala S and Elphick MR
Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 197, 43-55.  
01-02-2014
bullet iconThe Evolution and Variety of RFamide-Type Neuropeptides: Insights from Deuterostomian Invertebrates.
Elphick MR and Mirabeau O
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) vol. 5 
01-01-2014
bullet iconAltered expression of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
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
J Alzheimers Dis vol. 40 (3), 701-712.  
01-01-2014

2013

bullet iconDiscovery of a novel neurophysin-associated neuropeptide that triggers cardiac stomach contraction and retraction in starfish.
Semmens DC, Dane RE, Pancholi MR, Slade SE, Scrivens JH and Elphick MR
J Exp Biol vol. 216 (Pt 21), 4047-4053.  
01-11-2013
bullet iconFrom gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone to SIFamides: are echinoderm SALMFamides the missing link in a bilaterian family of neuropeptides that regulate reproductive processes?
Elphick MR
Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 193, 229-233.  
01-11-2013
bullet iconNeuropharmacology of Cannabinoids
Schneider M and Elphick MR
In Biological Research On Addiction: Comprehensive Addictive Behaviors and Disorders 593-603.  
26-02-2013
bullet iconThe evolution and diversity of SALMFamide neuropeptides
ELPHICK MR, Achhala S and Martynyuk N
Plos One, Plosone vol. 8 (3) 
01-01-2013

2012

bullet iconThe evolution and comparative neurobiology of endocannabinoid signalling.
Elphick MR
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci vol. 367 (1607), 3201-3215.  
05-12-2012
bullet iconThe neuropeptide transcriptome of a model echinoderm, the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.
Rowe ML and Elphick MR
Gen Comp Endocrinol vol. 179 (3), 331-344.  
01-12-2012
bullet iconThe protein precursors of peptides that affect the mechanics of connective tissue and/or muscle in the echinoderm Apostichopus japonicus.
Elphick MR
Plos One vol. 7 (8) 
01-01-2012

2011

bullet iconCRIP1a switches cannabinoid receptor agonist/antagonist-mediated protection from glutamate excitotoxicity
Stauffer B, Wallis KT, Wilson SP, Egertova M, Elphick MR, Lewis DL and Hardy LR
Neurosci Lett vol. 503 (3), 224-228.  
10-10-2011

2010

bullet iconInternational Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXIX. Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Ligands: Beyond CB1 and CB2
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
Pharmacol Rev vol. 62 (4), 588-631.  
01-12-2010
bullet iconNG peptides: a novel family of neurophysin-associated neuropeptides.
Elphick MR
Gene vol. 458 (1-2), 20-26.  
15-06-2010
bullet iconDiscovery 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
Rowe ML and Elphick MR
Mar Genom vol. 3 (2), 91-97.  
01-06-2010

2009

bullet iconProlonged 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
Blair RE, Deshpande LS, Sombati S, Elphick MR, Martin BR and DeLorenzo RJ
Neuropharmacology vol. 57 (3), 208-218.  
01-09-2009
bullet iconMinocycline treatment inhibits microglial activation and alters spinal levels of endocannabinoids in a rat model of neuropathic pain.
Guasti L, Richardson D, Jhaveri M, Eldeeb K, Barrett D, Elphick MR, Alexander SPH, Kendall D, Michael GJ and Chapman V
Mol Pain vol. 5 
01-07-2009
bullet iconMRAP and MRAP2 are bidirectional regulators of the melanocortin receptor family.
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
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A vol. 106 (15), 6146-6151.  
14-04-2009
bullet iconNGFFFamide and echinotocin: structurally unrelated myoactive neuropeptides derived from neurophysin-containing precursors in sea urchins.
Elphick MR and Rowe ML
J Exp Biol vol. 212 (Pt 8), 1067-1077.  
01-04-2009
bullet iconLocalization of the Endocannabinoid-Degrading Enzyme Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Cells and Its Regulation after Peripheral Nerve Injury
Lever IJ, Robinson M, Cibelli M, Paule C, Santha P, Yee L, Hunt SP, Cravatt BF, Elphick MR, Nagy I and Rice ASC
J Neurosci vol. 29 (12), 3766-3780.  
25-03-2009
bullet iconCannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein (CRIP1a) attenuates CB1 signalling
Hardt TA, Elphick M, Lewis DL and Selley DE
Faseb Journal vol. 23 
01-01-2009
bullet iconCannabinoid Receptor Genetics and Evolution
Elphick MR and Egertová M
In The Cannabinoid Receptors, Springer Nature 123-149.  
01-01-2009

2008

bullet iconThe 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.
Cooray SN, Almiro Do Vale I, Leung K-Y, Webb TR, Chapple JP, Egertová M, Cheetham ME, Elphick MR and Clark AJL
Endocrinology vol. 149 (4), 1935-1941.  
01-04-2008
bullet iconCannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein (CRIP1a) affects CB1 signaling
Hardt TA, Selley DE, Elphick MR, Lewis D, He H and Hernandez J
The Faseb Journal, Wiley vol. 22 (S1), 726.8-726.8.  
01-03-2008
bullet iconLocalization of N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) expression in mouse brain: A new perspective on N-acylethanolamines as neural signaling molecules.
Egertová M, Simon GM, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR
J Comp Neurol vol. 506 (4), 604-615.  
01-02-2008

2007

bullet iconCB1 cannabinoid receptor activity is modulated by the cannabinoid receptor interacting protein CRIP 1a.
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
Mol Pharmacol vol. 72 (6), 1557-1566.  
01-12-2007
bullet iconBfCBR: A cannabinoid receptor ortholog in the cephalochordate Branchiostoma floridae (Amphioxus)
Elphick MR
Gene vol. 399 (1), 65-71.  
01-09-2007
bullet iconLocalization of CiCBR in the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis: Evidence of an ancient role for cannabinoid receptors as axonal regulators of neuronal signalling
Egertova M and Elphick MR
J Comp Neurol vol. 502 (4), 660-672.  
01-06-2007
bullet iconIdentification of novel SALMFamide neuropeptides in the starfish Marthasterias glacialis
Yun SS, Thorndyke MC and Elphick MR
Comp Biochem Phys A vol. 147 (2), 536-542.  
01-06-2007
bullet iconNeuropeptide structure and function in sea urchins
Rowe M and Elphick M
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part a Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Elsevier vol. 146 (4) 
01-04-2007
bullet iconNitric oxide synthase in crayfish walking leg ganglia: Segmental differences in chemo-tactile centers argue against a generic role in sensory integration
Ott SR, Aonuma H, Newland PL and Elphick MR
J Comp Neurol vol. 501 (3), 381-399.  
20-03-2007
bullet iconEnhanced fidelity of diffusive nitric oxide signalling by the spatial segregation of source and target neurones in the memory centre of an insect brain.
Ott SR, Philippides A, Elphick MR and O'Shea M
Eur J Neurosci vol. 25 (1), 181-190.  
01-01-2007

2006

bullet iconA genomic view of the sea urchin nervous system
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.
Dev Biol vol. 300 (1), 434-460.  
01-12-2006
bullet iconThe genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.
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.
Science vol. 314 (5801), 941-952.  
10-11-2006
bullet iconResearch article - The genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
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.
Science vol. 314 (5801), 941-952.  
10-11-2006
bullet iconThe endocannabinoid system controls key epileptogenic circuits in the hippocampus
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.
Neuron vol. 51 (4), 455-466.  
17-08-2006

2005

bullet iconMolecular characterisation of SALMFamide neuropeptides in sea urchins.
Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC
J Exp Biol vol. 208 (Pt 22), 4273-4282.  
01-11-2005
bullet iconTertiary structure and activity of SALMFamide neuropeptides
Otara CB, Jones CE, Melarange R, Viles JH and Elphick MR
Comp Biochem Phys A vol. 141 (3), S161-S161.  
01-07-2005
bullet iconNeuropeptide structure and function in echinoderms
Elphick MR
Comp Biochem Phys A vol. 141 (3), S160-S161.  
01-07-2005
bullet iconThe phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary origins of endocannabinoid signalling.
Elphick MR and Egertová M
Handb Exp Pharmacol (168), 283-297.  
01-01-2005
bullet iconLocalization of nitric oxide synthase in the central complex and surrounding midbrain neuropils of the locust Schistocerca gregaria
Kurylas AE, Ott SR, Schachtner J, ELPHICK MR, Williams L and Homberg U
J. Comp. Neurol vol. 484 (2), 206-223.  
01-01-2005

2004

bullet iconFatty acid amide hydrolase in brain ventricular epithelium: mutually exclusive patterns of expression in mouse and rat.
Egertová M, Michael GJ, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR
J Chem Neuroanat vol. 28 (3), 171-181.  
01-11-2004
bullet iconAn evolutionarily conserved mechanism for sensitization of soluble guanylyl cyclase reveals extensive nitric oxide-mediated upregulation of cyclic GMP in insect brain.
Ott SR, Delago A and Elphick MR
Eur J Neurosci vol. 20 (5), 1231-1244.  
01-09-2004

2003

bullet iconNew techniques for whole-mount NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry demonstrated in insect ganglia.
Ott SR and Elphick MR
J Histochem Cytochem vol. 51 (4), 523-532.  
01-04-2003
bullet iconComparative analysis of nitric oxide and SALMFamide neuropeptides as general muscle relaxants in starfish
Melarange R and Elphick MR
J Exp Biol vol. 206 (5), 893-899.  
01-03-2003
bullet iconThe invertebrate ancestry of endocannabinoid signalling: an orthologue of vertebrate cannabinoid receptors in the urochordate Ciona intestinalis
Elphick MR, Satou Y and Satoh N
Gene vol. 302 (1-2), 95-101.  
02-01-2003
bullet iconLocalisation of cannabinoid receptor 1 in rat dorsal root ganglion using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry
Bridges D, Rice ASC, Egertova M, Elphick MR, Winter J and Michael GJ
NEUROSCIENCE. vol. 119 (3), 803-812.  
01-01-2003
bullet iconComparative 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
Egertova M, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR
Neuroscience vol. 119 (2), 481-496.  
01-01-2003

2002

bullet iconNitric oxide synthase histochemistry in insect nervous systems: Methanol/formalin fixation reveals the neuroarchitecture of formaldehyde-sensitive NADPH diaphorase in the cockroach Periplaneta americana.
Ott SR and Elphick MR
J Comp Neurol vol. 448 (2), 165-185.  
24-06-2002
bullet iconEvolution of cannabinoid receptors in vertebrates: Identification of a CB2 gene in the puffer fish Fugu rubripes
Elphick MR
Biol Bull vol. 202 (2), 104-107.  
01-04-2002

2001

bullet iconNeural control of muscle relaxation in echinoderms
Elphick MR and Melarange R
Journal of Experimental Biology vol. 204 (5), 875-885.  
01-12-2001
bullet iconThe neuroanatomy of nitric oxide-cyclic GMP signaling in the locust: Functional implications for sensory systems
Ott SR, Burrows M and Elphick MR
AMERICAN ZOOLOGIST. vol. 41 (2), 321-331.  
01-04-2001
bullet iconThe neurobiology and evolution of cannabinoid signalling.
Elphick MR and Egertová M
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci vol. 356 (1407), 381-408.  
29-03-2001
bullet iconNeural control of muscle relaxation in echinoderms.
Elphick MR and Melarange R
J Exp Biol vol. 204 (Pt 5), 875-885.  
01-03-2001

2000

bullet iconLocalisation of cannabinoid receptors in the rat brain using antibodies to the intracellular C-terminal tail of CB1
Egertová M and Elphick MR
Journal of Comparative Neurology vol. 422 (2), 159-171.  
26-06-2000
bullet iconCannabinoid CB1 Receptor Expression in Rat Spinal Cord
Farquhar-Smith WP, Egertová M, Bradbury EJ, McMahon SB, Rice ASC and Elphick MR
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Elsevier vol. 15 (6), 510-521.  
01-06-2000
bullet iconLocalisation of cannabinoid receptors in the rat brain using antibodies to the intracellular C‐terminal tail of CB1
Egertová M and Elphick MR
The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley vol. 422 (2), 159-171.  
24-05-2000
bullet iconFatty acid amide hydrolase expression in rat choroid plexus: possible role in regulation of the sleep-inducing action of oleamide
Egertová M, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR
Neuroscience Letters, Elsevier vol. 282 (1-2), 13-16.  
01-03-2000
bullet iconSensory afferents and motor neurons as targets for nitric oxide in the locust
Ott SR, Jones IW, Burrows M and Elphick MR
The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Wiley vol. 422 (4), 521-532.  
01-01-2000

1999

bullet iconSALMFamide neuropeptides cause relaxation and eversion of the cardiac stomach in starfish
Melarange R, Potton DJ, Thorndyke MC and Elphick MR
Proceedings of The Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 266 (1430), 1785-1789.  
07-09-1999
bullet iconDark-dependent soluble guanylyl cyclase activity in locust photoreceptor cells
Jones IW and Elphick MR
Proceedings of The Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 266 (1417), 413-419.  
22-02-1999

1998

bullet iconA new perspective on cannabinoid signalling: complimentary localization of fatty acid amide hydrolase and the CB1 receptor in rat brain.
Egertov M, Giang DK, Cravatt BF and Elphick MR
Proceedings of The Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 265 (1410), 2081-2085.  
07-11-1998
bullet iconLocalization of soluble guanylyl cyclase α-subunit in identified insect neurons
Elphick MR and Jones IW
Brain Research, Elsevier vol. 800 (1), 174-179.  
01-07-1998
bullet iconNitric Oxide Function in an Echinoderm.
Elphick MR and Melarange R
Biological Bulletin, University of Chicago Press vol. 194 (3), 260-266.  
01-06-1998
bullet iconAn invertebrate G-protein coupled receptor is a chimeric cannabinoid/melanocortin receptor
Elphick M
Brain Research vol. 780 (1), 168-171.  
05-01-1998
bullet iconAn invertebrate G-protein coupled receptor is a chimeric cannabinoid/melanocortin receptor
Elphick MR
Brain Research, Elsevier vol. 780 (1), 170-173.  
01-01-1998

1997

bullet iconComparative Physiology of the l-Arginine-Nitric Oxide Pathway: An Overview of a Symposium at the 4th International Congress of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, 1995
Elphick MR and Schleiffer R
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part a Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Elsevier vol. 118 (4), 921-923.  
01-12-1997
bullet iconLocalization of nitric oxide synthase using NADPH diaphorase histochemistry.
Elphick MR
vol. 72, 153-158.  
01-01-1997
bullet iconLocalization of Nitric Oxide Synthase Using NADPH Diaphorase Histochemistry
Elphick MR
In Neurotransmitter Methods, Springer Nature 153-158.  
01-01-1997

1996

bullet iconNew features of the locust optic lobe: Evidence of a role for nitric oxide in insect vision
Elphick MR, Williams L and O'Shea M
Journal of Experimental Biology vol. 199 (11), 2395-2407.  
01-11-1996
bullet iconNew Features of the Locust Optic Lobe: Evidence of a Role for Nitric Oxide in Insect Vision
Elphick MR, Williams L and O’shea M
Journal of Experimental Biology, The Company of Biologists vol. 199 (11), 2395-2407.  
01-11-1996
bullet iconBiochemical, Pharmacological and Clinical Aspects of Nitric Oxide
Elphick MR
Journal of Neurochemistry, Wiley vol. 67 (1), 438-438.  
01-07-1996

1995

bullet iconDistribution and action of SALMFamide neuropeptides in the starfish Asterias rubens.
Elphick MR, Newman SJ and Thorndyke MC
J Exp Biol vol. 198 (Pt 12), 2519-2525.  
01-12-1995
bullet iconBehavioral role for nitric oxide in chemosensory activation of feeding in a mollusc
Elphick , Kemenes G, Staras K and O'Shea M
Journal of Neuroscience, Society For Neuroscience vol. 15 (11), 7653-7664.  
01-11-1995
bullet iconTissue Distribution of the SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2 in the starfish Asterias rubens using novel monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. II. Digestive system
Newman SJ, Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC
Proceedings of The Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 261 (1361), 187-192.  
22-08-1995
bullet iconTissue distribution of the SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2 in the starfish Asterias rubens using novel monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. I. Nervous and locomotory systems
Newman SJ, Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC
Proceedings of The Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 261 (1360), 139-145.  
22-07-1995
bullet iconNitric Oxide Synthesis in Locust Olfactory Interneurones
Elphick MR, Rayne RC, Riveros-Moreno V, Moncada S and O’Shea M
Journal of Experimental Biology, The Company of Biologists vol. 198 (3), 821-829.  
01-03-1995
bullet iconNitric oxide synthesis in locust olfactory interneurones
Elphick MR, Rayne RC, Riveros-Moreno V, Moncada S and O'Shea M
Journal of Experimental Biology vol. 198 (3), 821-829.  
01-01-1995

1994

bullet iconEffects of cytokines and nitric oxide donors on insulin secretion, cyclic GMP and DNA damage: relation to nitric oxide production
Green IC, Cunningham JM, Delaney CA, Elphick MR, Mabley JG and Green MHL
Biochemical Society Transactions, Portland Press vol. 22 (1), 30-37.  
01-02-1994

1993

bullet iconNitric oxide synthesis and action in an invertebrate brain
Elphick MR, Green IC and O'Shea M
Brain Research, Elsevier vol. 619 (1-2), 344-346.  
01-08-1993

1991

bullet iconIsolation of the neuropeptide SALMFamide-1 from starfish using a new antiserum
Elphick MR, Reeve JR, Burke RD and Thorndyke MC
Peptides, Elsevier vol. 12 (3), 455-459.  
01-05-1991
bullet iconThe SALMFamides: a new family of neuropeptides isolated from an echinoderm
Elphick MR, Price DA, Lee TD and Thorndyke MC
Proceedings of The Royal Society B, The Royal Society vol. 243 (1307), 121-127.  
22-02-1991
bullet iconPharmacologically active constituents of the accessory salivary and hypobranchial glands of Nucella lapillus
Andrews EB, Elphick MR and Thorndyke MC
Journal of Molluscan Studies, Oxford University Press (Oup) vol. 57 (1), 136-138.  
01-01-1991

1989

bullet iconFMRFamide-like Immunoreactivity in the Nervous System of the Starfish Asterias rubens
ELPHICK MR, EMSON RH and THORNDYKE MC
Biological Bulletin, University of Chicago Press vol. 177 (1), 141-145.  
01-08-1989

Grants

solid heart iconGrants of specific relevance to the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics
solid heart iconDiscovering missing links in neuropeptide evolution and function
Maurice Elphick and Arianna Fornili
£576,040 BBSRC Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
01-06-2023 - 31-05-2026

solid heart iconA confocal microscope for multidisciplinary dynamic studies of complex biological systems
Conrad Mullineaux, Caroline Brennan, Alexandre De Mendoza Soler, Viji Draviam Sastry, Maurice Elphick, Christoph Engl, Isabel M Palacios, Matteo Palma, Marina Resmini, Alexander Ruban, Peter Thorpe, Angelika Stollewerk, Chema 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
solid heart iconMechanisms of hormonal control of spawning in starfish
Maurice Elphick
£2,000 Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
24-04-2019 - 23-05-2019
solid heart iconStomach turning: neural mechanisms of extra-oral feeding
Maurice Elphick
£213,916 Leverhulme Trust
01-09-2018 - 01-09-2022
solid heart iconFrom Starfish to Sex
Maurice Elphick
£113,015 Leverhulme Trust
01-04-2017 - 14-08-2019
solid heart iconPhD Studentship: Esther Odekunle
Maurice Elphick
£35,984 Society of Experimental Biology, The
01-10-2014 - 30-09-2018