Huiliang Zhang

Huiliang Zhang, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. His office is located in Biomed 1, B306D, and his research lab operates from Biomed 1, B331. He earned his doctorate in Biophysics from Peking University in 2014, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Washington.

Dr. Zhang's research centers on cardiac aging mechanisms, with emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction—particularly elevated proton leak—and strategies to reverse age-related cardiac decline. His work explores mitochondrial rejuvenation using compounds like SS-31 and stem cell therapies in preclinical models. Key research areas include:

• Mitochondrial bioenergetics in aging cardiomyocytes
• Proton leak regulation and metabolic restoration
• Stem cell applications for cardiac repair
• Vascular aging and inflammaging pathways

His recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate evolving focus from mitochondrial respiration mechanics to therapeutic interventions for cardiac/vascular aging, with increasing emphasis on proteomics, iPSC models, and metabolic modulation. Publication keywords cluster around mitochondrial dynamics, cardiac metabolism, and aging biomarkers.

Awards & Grants:

• American Heart Association Career Development Award (2019-2022): Mechanisms of mitochondrial rejuvenation for diastolic dysfunction
• Bronson Foundation Intramural Grant (2022): Human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte senescence
• Glenn/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018): SS-31 reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction

Dr. Zhang directs an active research lab investigating mitochondrial pathophysiology and maintains collaborations with cardiovascular and aging research consortia. He serves as an AHA study section member and has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles.