Skip navigation

Dr Davina Camargo Madeira Simoes

Assistant Professor

Department: Applied Sciences

Davina Camargo Madeira Simoes

Dr. Davina C. M. Simoes' research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control skeletal muscle atrophy related to ageing and disease. The aim is to establish a foundation for interventions that can restore muscle homeostasis and prevent or reverse muscle atrophy in humans.

To achieve this, her team conducts detailed molecular and cellular analyses of skeletal muscle biopsies, integrating these findings with the clinical and functional characteristics of patients suffering from muscle wasting associated with lung cancer and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are particularly interested in the role of therapeutic pulmonary rehabilitation in muscle regeneration. Dr Simoes’ team has demonstrated that the differential expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is associated with muscle atrophy. Additionally, skeletal muscle samples from the MASS_Lifecourse study are being analysed to examine the morphological changes throughout the lifespan using a Lifecourse Approach, furthering the understanding of the selective vulnerability of type II muscle fibres as we age.

Additionally, Dr Simoes's team has developed complex in 3D-muscle engineered vitro models to investigate the signalling pathways within and between cells that contribute to muscle atrophy and impaired muscle homeostasis. They are also evaluating potential intervention strategies. These experimental models are continuously optimised by incorporating the latest technological advancements, such as SPACE technology, AI-based non-invasive image analysis, and organ-on-chip approaches, all while maintaining a strong focus on their translational potential.

Dr. Simoes has several academic responsibilities, including leading modules and lecturing to a large group of students in the biomedical and medical programs at Northumbria University. As a member of the EDI committee and the Women’s Network Steering Group, she actively supports and promotes gender equality in academia.

  • Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
  • Role of pulmonary rehabilitation in extracellular matrix protein expression in vastus lateralis muscle in atrophic and nonatrophic patients with COPD, Kritikaki, E., Terzis, G., Soundararajan, M., Vogiatzis, I., C. M. Simoes, D. 19 Jan 2025, In: ERJ Open Research
  • Expression of intramuscular extracellular matrix proteins in vastus lateralis muscle fibres between atrophic and non-atrophic COPD, Kritikaki, E., Terzis, G., Soudararajan, M., Vogiatzis, I., Simoes, D. May 2024, In: ERJ Open Research
  • Impaired training-induced myogenesis in COPD is due to blunt expression of extracellular matrix proteins, Kritikaki, E., Terzis, G., Vogiatzis, I., C M Simoes, D. 9 Sep 2023, In: European Respiratory Journal
  • Next generation organoid engineering to replace animals in cancer drug testing, Hockney, S., Parker, J., Turner, J., Todd, X., Todryk, S., Ger Gieling, R., Hilgen, G., Camargo Madeira Simoes, D., Pal, D. 1 Jul 2023, In: Biochemical Pharmacology
  • Sarcopenic muscle extracellular matrix dictates muscle adaptations in a 3D-engineered muscle model of COPD, Kritikaki, E., Vogiatzis, I., Terzis, G., C M Simoes, D. 9 Sep 2023, In: European Respiratory Journal
  • An integrin axis induces IFN-β production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, Camargo Madeira Simoes, D., Paschalidis, N., Kourepini, E., Panoutsakopoulou, V. 25 Jul 2022, In: Journal of Cell Biology
  • Effects of cycling intensity on acute signaling adaptations to 8-weeks concurrent training in trained cyclists, Jones, T., Eddens, L., Kupusarevic, J., Camargo Madeira Simoes, D., Furber, M., Van Someren, K., Howatson, G. 23 Mar 2022, In: Frontiers in Physiology
  • The Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteins on Exercise Training-Induced Muscle Fibre Adaptations in COPD, Kritikaki, E., Padget, K., Terzis, G., Vogiatzis, I., C M Simoes, D. 1 Dec 2022, The European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2022
  • Aerobic exercise intensity does not affect the anabolic signaling following resistance exercise in endurance athletes, Jones, T., Eddens, L., Kupusarevic, J., Camargo Madeira Simoes, D., Fuber, M., Van Someren, K., Howatson, G. Dec 2021, In: Scientific Reports
  • Cigarette smoking induced decrease in fibronectin and COL1A1 in locomotor muscle in a guinea pig COPD model, Kritikaki, E., Peinado, V., Barbera, J., Barreiro, E., Padget, K., C M Simoes, D. 1 Sep 2021, Proceedings 2021 International Sarcopenia Translational Research Conference, Athens, Greece, Hylonome Publications

PhD August 01 1997


Latest News and Features

Images shows the logo of Northumbria University's Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory
Eating Disorder Research Animation Still
Dr Henrik Melin pictured with a life-sized replica of one of the Webb telescope’s 18 individual hexagonal mirrored panels. Image credit: Barry Pells/Northumbria University.
Professor Arlene Astell
Dr David Littlefair and Dr Joanne Atkinson, Deputy and Head of Department for Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing at Northumbria University are joined by public policy researchers, Professor Matthew Johnson, Dr Howard Reed, Dr Elliott Johnson and Dr Graham Stark.
The IDEAS-NET Team (L-R), Dr Eduwin Pakpahan, Professor Tracy Finch, Dr Sebastian Potthoff, Professor Katie Haighton, Professor Angela Bate (Co-Director), Professor Sonia Dalkin (Co-Director), Professor Joanne Gray, Professor Tom Sanders, Dr Jason Scott (Deputy Director), Professor Darren Flynn, Jamie Taylor (Project Manager)
More news
More events

Upcoming events

Back to top