
Professor David Murphy
B.Sc.(Edin.), Ph.D.(Lond.)
Current positions
Professor of Experimental Medicine
Bristol Medical School (THS)
Contact
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Research interests
The Molecular Neueroendocrinology Research Group uses gene discovery and transfer techniques to study the neuronal regulation of the cardiovascular system in health and disease. Interests have focussed on hypothalamic neurons involved in the maintenance of plasma osmolality, and the integration of autonomic cardiovascular signalling by brainstem (nucleus of the solitary tract; NTS) neurons (in collaboration with Dr Julian Paton, Dept of Physiology, University of Bristol).
We are using microarray, differential screening and yeast two-hybrid methodologies to identify genes expressed in hypothalamic and brainstem neurons, and genes which alter their pattern of expression following physiological challenges. The hypotheses that emerge from the analysis of expression information must be tested with genetic methods involving the transfer of genes into model organisms. We have accumulated considerable experience with the generation and analysis of transgenic models; both germline systems mediated by the microinjection of fertilised one-cell eggs with cloned DNA fragments, and somatic systems mediated by the stereotaxic injection of Adenoviral gene transfer vectors into specific brain regions. Current strategies involve combining gene discovery with precise real-time physiological measurements.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
8067 Royal Society Newton Advanced Fellowship NAF\R2\202118: The Role Of Magnocellular Vasopressin Neurons In The Pathophysiology Of Preeclampsia
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Bristol Medical School (THS)Dates
01/12/2020 to 30/11/2022
The neurohumoral control of body fluid and cardiovascular homeostasis in males and females - vive la difference!
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Bristol Medical School (THS)Dates
01/12/2019 to 31/12/2019
The role of RNA binding protein Caprin2 in osmoregulatory dysfunction in old age.
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Bristol Medical School (THS)Dates
01/09/2018 to 31/08/2022
Environmental genomics of water conservation in a desert-adapted rodent
Principal Investigator
Description
We will explore the mechanisms that enable a desert adapted rodent species (the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa) is able to survive in its harsh, arid environment without needing to drink water.…Managing organisational unit
Bristol Medical School (THS)Dates
01/04/2018 to 31/05/2018
Thesis supervisions
Publications
Recent publications
16/03/2022Advancing respiratory–cardiovascular physiology with the working heart–brainstem preparation over 25 years
The Journal of Physiology
Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Oxytocin and Vasopressin Gene Expression by CREB3L1 and CAPRIN2
Neuroendocrinology
Corticosterone pattern-dependent glucocorticoid receptor binding and transcriptional regulation within the liver
PLoS Genetics
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Downregulation of Urocortin Expression in the Hypothalamo-Neurohypophysial System of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Frontiers in Physiology
Imaging the Hypothalamo-Neurohypophysial System
Neuroendocrinology