Staff Profile

Research Interests

As Head of Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life, my research interests are focussed on improving clinical treatments for infertile couples. Indirectly, the stem cell related studies in the department are achieving this aim. Scientific research within the department is helping to understand the earliest stages of human development from oocyte maturation to the first few days after fertilisation. The donation of eggs, sperm and embryos to support this work is essential and I ensure that we are compliant with all the necessary ethical and regulatory procedures. In this rapidly developing and sensitive field, involvement in the debate, both political and public, is vital to ensure public trust in our work.

Other active research interests include:
• Primary care provision of fertility treatment
• Superovulation protocols and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

• Stojkovic M, Stojkovic P, Leary C, Hall VJ, Armstrong L, Herbert M, Nesbitt M, Lako M, Murdoch A. Derivation of a human blastocyst after heterologous nuclear transfer to donated oocytes. Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2005, 11(2), 226-231.
• Choudhary M, Nesbitt M, Leary C, Murdoch AP. Donation of fresh oocytes for nuclear transfer research - a new approach. Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2006, 13(2), 301-302.
• Jayaprakasan K, Herbert M, Moody E, Stewart JA, Murdoch AP. Estimating the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Implications for egg donation for research. Human Fertility 2007, 10(3), 183-187.
• Choudhary M, Zhang X, Lako M, Stojkovic M, Murdoch A. "Beauty and Beast" molecule: HA in early human development. BJOG 2009, 116(10), 1408.
• Gurdon J, Murdoch A. Nuclear Transfer and iPS May Work Best Together. In: Cell Stem Cell: Therapeutic Cloning: Where Do We Go from Here?. 2008, Irvine, California: Cell Press.
• Hall VJ, Compton D, Stojkovic P, Nesbitt M, Herbert M, Murdoch A, Stojkovic M. Developmental competence of human in vitro aged oocytes as host cells for nuclear transfer. Human Reproduction 2007, 22(1), 52-62.
• Wilkes S, Hall N, Crosland A, Murdoch A, Rubin G. General practitioners' perceptions and attitudes to infertility management in primary care: Focus group study. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 2007, 13(3), 358-363.
• Choudhary M, Zhang X, Stojkovic P, Hyslop L, Anyfantis G, Herbert M, Murdoch AP, Stojkovic M, Lako M. Putative role of hyaluronan and its related genes, HAS2 and RHAMM, in human early preimplantation embryogenesis and embryonic stem cell characterization. Stem Cells 2007, 25(12), 3045-3057.
• Wilkes S, Murdoch A, Rubin G, Chinn D, Wilsdon J. Investigation of infertility management in primary care with open access hysterosalpingography (HSG): A pilot study. Human Fertility 2006, 9(1), 47-51.
• Homer HA, McDougall A, Levasseur M, Murdoch AP, Herbert M. Mad2 is required for inhibiting securin and cyclin B degradation following spindle depolymerisation in meiosis I mouse oocytes. Reproduction 2005, 130(6), 829-843.
• Smith MC, Murdoch AP, Danielson LA, Conrad KP, Davison JM. Relaxin has a role in establishing a renal response in pregnancy. Fertility and Sterility 2006, 86(1), 253-255.
• Homer HA, McDougall A, Levasseur M, Murdoch AP, Herbert M. Spindle assembly checkpoint dysfunction: A molecular correlate for human aneuploidy. In: Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation: 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation. 2006, Toronto, Canada: Sage Publications, Inc.
• Stojkovic P, Lako M, Stewart R, Przyborski S, Armstrong L, Evans J, Murdoch A, Strachan T, Stojkovic M. An autogeneic feeder cell system that efficiently supports growth of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2005, 23(3), 306-314.
• Hyslop L, Stojkovic M, Armstrong L, Walter T, Stojkovic P, Przyborski S, Herbert M, Murdoch A, Strachan T, Lako M. Downregulation of NANOG induces differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to extraembryonic lineages. Stem Cells 2005, 23(8), 1035-1043.
• Murdoch A, Stojkovic M. Ethics debate is what put Newcastle paper in the news. Nature 2005, 436(7050), 460.
• Homer HA, McDougall A, Levasseur M, Yallop K, Murdoch AP, Herbert M. Mad2 prevents aneuploidy and premature proteolysis of cyclin B and securin during meiosis I in mouse oocytes. Genes and Development 2005, 19(2), 202-207.
• Homer HA, McDougall A, Levasseur M, Murdoch AP, Herbert M. RNA interference in meiosis I human oocytes: Towards an understanding of human aneuploidy. Molecular Human Reproduction 2005, 11(6), 397-404.
• Murdoch A. The way forward. Human Fertility 2005, 8(2), 97-98.
• Choudhary MK, Haimes E, Herbert M, Stojkovic M, Murdoch AP. Demographic, medical and treatment characteristics associated with couples' decisions to donate fresh spare embryos for research. Human Reproduction 2004, 19(9), 2091-2096.
• Stojkovic M, Lako M, Strachan T, Murdoch A. Derivation, growth and applications of human embryonic stem cells. Reproduction 2004, 128(3), 259-267.
• Murdoch AP. In vitro fertilisation for all? Society must hear the voices of infertile people.[comment]. British Medical Journal 2003, 327(7425), 1226-1226.
• Fenwick J, Platteau P, Murdoch AP, Herbert M. Time from insemination to first cleavage predicts developmental competence of human preimplantation embryos in vitro. Human Reproduction 2002, 17(2), 407-412.
• Evbuomwan I, Davison JM, Murdoch AP. Coexistent hemoconcentration and hypoosmolality during superovulation and in severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a volume homeostasis paradox. In: British Fertility Society Annual Conference. 2000, Sheffield, United Kingdom: Elsevier.
• R. Fleming,F. Lloyd,M. Herbert,J. Fenwick,T. Griffiths,A. Murdoch. Effects of profound suppression of luteinizing hormone during ovarian stimulation on follicular activity, oocyte and embryo function in cycles stimulated with purified follicle stimulating hormone. Human Reproduction 1998, 13(7), 1788-92.
• J. A. Stewart,J. N. Bulmer,A. P. Murdoch. Endometrial leucocytes: expression of steroid hormone receptors. Journal of Clinical Pathology 1998, 51(2), 121-6.
• Murdoch A. How many embryos should be transferred?. Human Reproduction 1998, 13, 2666-2670.
• A. P. Murdoch. How many embryos should be transferred?[comment]. Human Reproduction 1998, 13(1O), 2666-70.
• H. J. Clouston,J. Fenwick,A. L. Webb,M. Herbert,A. Murdoch,J. Wolstenholme. Detection of mosaic and non-mosaic chromosome abnormalities in 6- to 8-day old human blastocysts. Human Genetics 1997, 101(1), 30-6.
• M. Herbert, J. I. Gillespie and A. P. Murdoch. Development of calcium signalling mechanisms during maturation of human oocytes. Molecular Human Reproduction 1997, 3, 965-973.
• M. Herbert,J. I. Gillespie,A. P. Murdoch. Development of calcium signalling mechanisms during maturation of human oocytes. Molecular Human Reproduction 1997, 3(11), 965-73.
• Murdoch A, Stewart JA and Hamilton P. Thromboembolic disease associated with ovarian stimulation and assisted conception techniques. Human Reproduction 1997, 10, 2167-2173.
• J. A. Stewart,P. J. Hamilton,A. P. Murdoch. Thromboembolic disease associated with ovarian stimulation and assisted conception techniques. Human Reproduction 1997, 12(10), 2167-73.
• A. Murdoch. Triplets and embryo transfer policy. Human Reproduction 1997, 12(11 Suppl), 88-92.
• Murdoch A, Stewart JA and Hamilton P. Upper limb thrombosis associated with assisted conception treatment. Human Reproduction 1997, 10, 2174-2175.
• J. A. Stewart,P. J. Hamilton,A. P. Murdoch. Upper limb thrombosis associated with assisted conception treatment. Human Reproduction 1997, 12(10), 2174-5.
• P. J. Marsden,A. Murdoch,R. Taylor. Adipocyte insulin action during the normal menstrual cycle. Human Reproduction 1996, 11(5), 968-74.
• Lloyd FH, Powell P, Murdoch AP. Anabolic steroid abuse by body builders and male subfertility.[see comment]. British Medical Journal 1996, 313(7049), 100-101.
• M. Herbert,J. Wolstenholme,A. P. Murdoch,T. J. Butler. Mitotic activity during preimplantation development of human embryos. Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1995, 103(2), 209-14.
• M. Herbert,A. P. Murdoch,J. I. Gillespie. The thiol reagent, thimerosal induces intracellular calcium oscillations in mature human oocytes. Human Reproduction 1995, 10(8), 2183-6.
• P. J. Marsden,A. Murdoch,R. Taylor. Severe impairment of insulin action in adipocytes from amenorrheic subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome. Metabolism: Clinical & Experimental 1994, 43(12), 1536-42.
• A. P. Murdoch,M. Harris,M. Mahroo,M. Williams,W. Dunlop. Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) compared with intrauterine insemination in the treatment of unexplained infertility. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1991, 98(11), 1107-11.
• A. P. Murdoch,M. Harris,M. Mahroo,M. Williams,W. Dunlop. Is GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) the best treatment for unexplained infertility?[see comment]. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1991, 98(7), 643-7.
• L. M. Burrell,A. Murdoch,B. Angus,M. C. White. Autoimmune ovarian failure with elevated serum levels of luteinizing hormone and enlarged ovaries. Case report.[see comment]. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1990, 97(4), 362-4.
• A. P. Murdoch,P. J. Diggle,M. C. White,P. Kendall-Taylor,W. Dunlop. Rapid pulses of luteinizing hormone during the ovarian cycle. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1990, 97(4), 329-33.
• A. P. Murdoch,P. J. Diggle,M. C. White,P. Kendall-Taylor,W. Dunlop. LH in polycystic ovary syndrome: reproducibility and pulsatile secretion. Journal of Endocrinology 1989, 121(1), 185-91.
• A. P. Murdoch,P. J. Diggle,M. C. White,M. Harris,P. Kendall-Taylor,W. Dunlop. Luteinizing hormone in women is secreted in superimposed pulse patterns. Clinical Science 1989, 76(2), 125-35.
• N. F. Perks,A. P. Murdoch,M. C. White. Pulsatile secretion of LH in women. Journal of Endocrinology 1988, 119(1), 1-3.
• A. P. Murdoch,M. C. White,N. Perks,P. Kendall-Taylor,W. Dunlop. Is changing hypothalamic activity important for control of ovulation. British Medical Journal Clinical Research Ed 1987, 295(6599), 669.
• A. P. Murdoch,K. G. McClean,M. J. Watson,W. Dunlop,P. Kendall Taylor. Treatment of hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome with bromocriptine. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1987, 94(4), 358-65.
• A. P. Murdoch,W. Dunlop,P. Kendall-Taylor. Studies of prolactin secretion in polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical Endocrinology 1986, 24(2), 165-75.
• A. P. Murdoch,P. J. Diggle,W. Dunlop,P. Kendall-Taylor. Determination of the frequency of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion by time series analysis. Clinical Endocrinology 1985, 22(3), 341-6.
• A. P. Murdoch,W. Dunlop,P. Kendall-Taylor,M. J. Watson. The acute effects of a dopamine antagonist (domperidone) on luteinising hormone, follicule stimulating hormone, prolactin and thyrotrophin secretion in polycystic ovarian syndrome: differential effect of ovulation. Clinical Endocrinology 1984, 21(6), 611-9.
• Hyslop L, Prathalingam N, Nowak L, Fenwick J, Harbottle S, Byerley S, Rhodes J, Watson B, Henderson R, Murdoch A, Herbert M. A Novel Isolator-Based System Promotes Viability of Human Embryos during Laboratory Processing. PLoS ONE 2012, 7(2), e31010.
• Sethe S, Murdoch A. Comparing the burden: What can we learn by comparing regulatory frameworks in Abortion and Fertility services?. Health Care Analysis 2013, 21(4), 338-354.
• Choudhary M, Nesbitt M, Burgess L, Hyslop L, Herbert M, Murdoch A. Egg Sharing for Research: A Successful Outcome for Patients and Researchers. Cell Stem Cell 2012, 10(3), 239-240.
• Wilkes S, Murdoch A. Ovulation induction with clomifene: a primary care perspective. Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2012, 38(1), 48-52.
• Prathalingam N, Ferguson L, Young L, Lietz G, Oldershaw R, Healy L, Craig A, Lister H, Binaykia R, Sheth R, Murdoch A, Herbert M. Production and validation of a good manufacturing practice grade human fibroblast line for supporting human embryonic stem cell derivation and culture. Stem Cell Research and Therapy 2012, 3(2), 12.
• Murdoch A, Braude P, Stacey G, Courtney A, Lawford-Davies J, Brison D, Hunt C, Moore H, Sethe S. The Procurement of Cells for the Derivation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines for Therapeutic Use: Recommendations for Good Practice. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports 2012, 8(1), 91-99.
• Clewes O, Narytnyk A, Gillinder KR, Loughney AD, Murdoch AP, Sieber-Blum M. Human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC) - Characterization and directed differentiation into osteocytes and melanocytes. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports 2011, 7(4), 799-814.
• Choudhary M, Shaw C, Nesbitt M, Murdoch AP. Influence of removal of donor anonymity and option of egg sharing for research on the sustainability of egg sharing scheme for clinical donation. In: Human Reproduction: 27th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. 2011, Stockholm, Sweden: Oxford University Press.
• Craven L, Elson JL, Irving L, Tuppen HA, Lister LM, Greggains GD, Byerley S, Murdoch AP, Herbert M, Turnbull D. Mitochondrial DNA disease: new options for prevention. Human Molecular Genetics 2011, 20(R2), R168-R174.
• Sieber-Blum M, Clewes O, Loughney AD, Murdoch A. Human Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells (hEPI-NCSC). In: FASEB Journal: Experimental Biology 2010 Meeting. 2010, Anaheim, California, USA: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
• Wilkes S, Chinn DJ, Murdoch A, Rubin G. Epidemiology and management of infertility: a population-based study in UK primary care. Family Practice 2009, 26(4), 269-274.
• Wilkes S, Murdoch A. Obesity and female fertility: a primary care perspective. Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2009, 35(3), 181-185.
• Wilkes S, Murdoch A, Steen N, Wilsdon J, Rubin G. Open Access Tubal aSsessment for the initial management of infertility in general practice (the OATS trial): a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial. British Journal of General Practice 2009, 59(562), 329-335.
• Wilkes S, Rubin G, Crosland A, Hall N, Murdoch A. Patient and professional views of open access hysterosalpingography for the initial management of infertility in primary care. British Journal of General Practice 2009, 59(562), 336-342.
• Wilkes S, Hall N, Crosland A, Murdoch A, Rubin G. Patient experience of infertility management in primary care: an in-depth interview study. Family Practice 2009, 26(4), 309-316.
• Murdoch A. Surgeons and Scientists Working Together in Embryo Research. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 2009, 108(1), 1-2.
• Stojkovic M, Lako M, Stojkovic P, Stewart R, Przyborski S, Armstrong L, Evans J, Herbert M, Hyslop L, Ahmad S, Murdoch A, Strachan T. Derivation of human embryonic stem cells from day-8 blastocysts recovered after three-step in vitro culture. Stem Cells 2004, 22(5), 790-797.
• Murdoch AH, Shepherd DE, Mathias KJ, Stevenson EC. Design of a retractable intramedullary nail for the humerus. Bio-Medical Materials & Engineering 2003, 13(3), 297-307.
• Herbert M, Levasseur M, Homer H, Yallop K, Murdoch A, McDougall A. Homologue disjunction in mouse oocytes requires proteolysis of securin and cyclin B1. Nature Cell Biology 2003, 5(11), 1023-1025.
• Sharma SD, Murdoch A. Letter to the editor. Human Fertility 2003, 6(2), 96.
• Clouston HJ, Herbert M, Fenwick J, Murdoch AP, Wolstenholme J. Cytogenetic analysis of human blastocysts. Prenatal Diagnosis 2002, 22(12), 1143-1152.
• Murdoch A. Human embryonic stem cells: An introduction. Human Fertility 2002, 5(4), 203-205.
• Evbuomwan IO, Davison JM, Baylis PH, Murdoch AP. Altered osmotic thresholds for arginine vasopressin secretion and thirst during superovulation and in the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Relevance to the pathophysiology of OHSS. Fertility and Sterility 2001, 75(5), 933-941.
• Marsden PJ, Murdoch AP, Taylor R. Tissue insulin sensitivity and body weight in polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical Endocrinology 2001, 55(2), 191-199.
• Marsden PJ, Murdoch AP, Taylor R. Adipocyte insulin action in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Human Reproduction 2000, 15(8), 1672-1678.
• Aird I, Barratt C, Murdoch A. BFS recommendations for good practice on the screening of egg and embryo donors. Human Fertility 2000, 3(3), 162-165.
• Nugent D, Hamilton M, Murdoch A. BFS recommendations for good practice on the storage of ovarian and prepubertal testicular tissue. Human Fertility 2000, 3(1), 5-8.
• Evbuomwan IO, Davison JM, Murdoch AP. Coexistent hemoconcentration and hypoosmolality during superovulation and in severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A volume homeostasis paradox. Fertility and Sterility 2000, 74(1), 67-72.
• Griffiths TA, Murdoch AP, Herbert M. Embryonic development in vitro is compromised by the ICSI procedure. Human Reproduction 2000, 15(7), 1592-1596.
• Stewart JA, Bulmer JN, Searle RF, Murdoch AP. Endometrial steroid hormone receptor in relation to unexplained sub-fertility and parity. J Reproduction and Fertility 2000, Abstract Series No 25, 46.
• Herbert M, Morgan J, Levasseur M, Murdoch AP, McDougall A. A non-degradable form of cyclin can be used to induce arrest at the first meiotic metaphase in human oocytes. In: ESHRE campus workshop 'ART in the year 2000'. 1999, Hamburg-Norderstedt, Germany: Oxford University Press.
• Marsden PJ, Murdoch AP, Taylor R. Adipocyte insulin action following ovulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome. Human Reproduction 1999, 14(9), 2216-2222.
• Murdoch AP, Evbuomwan I. Severe complications of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are preventable. Human Reproduction 1999, 14(11), 2922-2923.
• Evbuomwan IO, Fenwick JD, Shiels R, Herbert M, Murdoch AP. Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following salvage of empty follicle syndrome. Human Reproduction 1999, 14(7), 1707-1709.
• Hurlbut JB, Hyun I, Levine AD, Lovell-Badge R, Lunshof JE, Matthews KRW, Mills P, Murdoch A, Pera MF, Scott CT, Tizzard J, Warnock M, Zernicka-Goetz M, Zhou Q, Zoloth L. Revisiting the Warnock rule. Nature Biotechnology 2017, 35(11), 1029-1042.
• Murdoch A. Should the HFEA be regulating the add-on treatments for IVF/ICSI in the UK?: AGAINST: HFEA regulation of add-on IVF/ICSI. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2017, 124(12), 1849-1849.
• Craven L, Herbert M, Murdoch A, Murphy J, Davies JL, Turnbull DM. Research into Policy: A Brief History of Mitochondrial Donation. Stem Cells 2016, 34(2), 265-267.
• Hyslop LA, Blakeley P, Craven L, Richardson J, Fogarty NME, Fragouli E, Lamb M, Wamaitha SE, Prathalingam N, Zhang Q, O'Keefe H, Takeda Y, Arizzi L, Alfarawati S, Tuppen H, Irving L, Kalleas D, Choudhary M, Wells D, Murdoch AP, Turnbull DM, Niakan KK, Herbert M. Towards clinical application of pronuclear transfer to prevent mitochondrial DNA disease. Nature 2016, 534(7607), 383-386.
• Richardson J, Irving L, Hyslop LA, Choudhary M, Murdoch A, Turnbull DM, Herbert M. Assisted Reproductive Technologies to Prevent Transmission of Mitochondrial DNA Disease. Stem Cells 2015, 33(3), 639-645.
• Goswami M, Murdoch A, Haimes E. To freeze or not to freeze embryos: clarity, confusion and conflict. Human Fertility 2015, 18(2), 113-120.
• Hyslop L, Irving L, Richardson J, Craven L, Choudhary M, Murdoch A, Turnbull D, Herbert M. Towards therapeutic application of IVF-based techniques to prevent transmission of mtDNA disease. In: 31st ESHRE Annual Meeting. 2015, Lisbon, Portugal: Oxford University Press.
• Greggains GD, Lister LM, Tuppen HAL, Zhang Q, Needham LH, Prathalingam N, Hyslop LA, Craven L, Polanski Z, Murdoch AP, Turnbull DM, Herbert M. Therapeutic potential of somatic cell nuclear transfer for degenerative disease caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations. Scientific Reports 2014, 4, 3844.
• Goswami M, Hyslop LA, Murdoch AP. NHS-funded IVF: consequences of NICE implementation. Human Fertility 2013, 16(2), 121-127.
• Sieber-Blum M, Clewes O, Loughney A, Murdoch A. Human Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells (hEPI-NCSC). In: FASEB JOURNAL. 2010, 9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3998 USA: FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL.
• White MC, Daniels M, Newland P, Thompson CJ, Cook D, Dewar J, Perry R, Jewitt R, Mathias D, Murdoch AP, Kendall-Taylor P. LH and FSH secretion and responses to GnRH and TRH in patients with clincally functionless pituitary adenomas. Clinical Endocrinology 1990, 32(6), 681-688.