My research was focused on exploring the molecular mechanism of aging. Especially the role of IGF-1 signaling — There is a clear link between aging and metabolism across species. growth factors and body size have been closely tied to lifespan. This phenomenon is believed to be attributed to a reduction in growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling, and less signaling through this axis has been has been linked to improved longevity in model organisms. Furthermore, in humans, high IGF-1 levels are associated with increased cancer risk, but are paradoxically linked with protection from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Thus, the relevance of IGF-1 to aging in humans remains unclear. My research utilizes genetically modified rodent model to study the molecular mechanism of igf-1 anti-aging effect.

1. Quipildor GF, Mao K, Hu Z, Novaj A, Cui MH, Gulinello M, Craig A Branch; Huffman DM. Central IGF-1 protects against features of cognitive and sensorimotor decline with aging in male mice.(Accepted by GeroScience).
2. R Walters, E Arias, A Diaz, E Burgos, F Guan, S Tiano, Mao K, C Green, Y Qiu, H Shah, D Wang, A Hudgins, T Tabrizian, V Tosti, D Shechter, L Fontana, I Kurland, N Barzilai, A Cuervo, D Promislow, D Huffman. Sarcosine Is Uniquely Modulated by Aging and Dietary Restriction in Rodents and Humans. Cell Reports. Volume 25, issue 3, P663-676.E6, Oct 16, 2018.
3. Mao K, Quipildor GF, Tabrizian T, Novaj A, Guan F, Walters RO, Delahaye F, Hubbard GB, Ikeno Y, Ejima K, Li P, Allison DB, Salimi-Moosavi H, Beltran PJ, Cohen P, Barzilai N, Huffman DM. Late-life targeting of the IGF-1 receptor improves healthspan and lifespan in female mice. Nat Commun. 2018 Jun 19;9(1):2394. PMID: 29921922
4. Wang Y, Wu B, Farrar E, Lui W, Lu P, Zhang D, Alfieri CM, Mao K, Chu M, Yang D, Xu D, Rauchman M, Taylor V, Conway SJ, Yutzey KE, Butcher JT, Zhou B. Notch-Tnf signalling is required for development and homeostasis of arterial valves. Eur Heart J. 2015 Oct 21. pii: ehv520 PMID: 26491108
5. Huffman DM, Quipildor GF, Mao K, Zhang X, Wan J, Apontes P, Cohen, and Nir Barzilai. Central IGF-1 Restores Peripheral Insulin Action in a Model of Age-related Insulin Resistance and IGF-1 Deficiency. Aging Cell 2016 Feb;15(1):181-6. doi: 10.1111/acel.12415 PMID: 26534869
6. Savinova OV, Liu Y, Aasen GA, Mao K, Weltman NY, Nedich BL, Liang Q, Gerdes AM. Thyroid hormone promotes remodeling of coronary resistance vessels. PLoS One. 2011;6(9):e25054. Epub 2011 Sep 22. PMID: 2196641
7. Kobayashi S, Volden P, Timm D, Mao K, Xu X, Liang Q. Transcriptional factor GATA4 inhibit Doxorubincin-Induced autophagy and cardiomyocyte death. J. Biol. Chem. 2010 Jan 1;285(1):793-804. PMID:19901028
8. Mao K, Kobayashi S, Jaffer ZM, Huang Y, Volden P, Chernoff J, Liang Q. Regulation of Akt/PKB activity by P21-activated kinase in cardiomyocytes. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2008 Feb;44(2):429-34. PMID:18054038
9. Kobayashi S, Mao K (co-first author), Zheng H, Wang X, Patterson C, Liang Q. Diminished GATA4 protein levels contribute to hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte injury. J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 282, Issue 30, 21945-21952, July 27, 2007 PMID: 17525155
10. Guo SY, Shen X, Yang J, Yuan J, Yang RL, Mao K, Zhao DH, Li CJ. TIMP-1 mediates the inhibitory effect of interleukin-6 on the proliferation of a hepatocarcinoma cell line in a STAT3-dependent manner. Braz J Med Biol Res. May 2007;40(5):621-631. PMID:17464423
11. Tang L, Huang YB, Liu DQ, Li JL, Mao K, Liu L, Cheng ZJ, Gong WM, Hu J, He JH. Effects of the silanized mica surface on protein crystallization. Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr. 2005 Jan; 61(Pt 1):53-9.