Darren J. Baker

Darren J. Baker, Ph.D., M.S. is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Professor of Pediatrics at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He holds primary appointments as a Consultant in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Radboud University
• M.S. in Tumor Biology, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
• B.S. in Biology (minor in Chemistry), University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Dr. Baker's research focuses on the involvement of senescent cells in aging and cancer processes. His work has demonstrated that cellular senescence, while a potent anti-tumor mechanism, also contributes significantly to age-related pathologies. He pioneered the development of the INK-ATTAC transgenic mouse model, which allows for selective elimination of p16-expressing senescent cells. His research has demonstrated that removing these cells can delay age-related pathologies and extend healthspan in mice. A major focus of his current work examines the role of senescent cells in Alzheimer's disease, exploiting the observation that neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques show strong immunoreactivity to p16.

Analysis of Dr. Baker's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on translating basic senescence research into potential clinical applications. His work spans from fundamental mechanisms of cellular senescence to exploring senolytic therapies for age-related diseases, with particular attention to neurological conditions. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting aging biology with neuroscience, oncology, and metabolic research.

Scientific Awards:

• Fundamental Mechanisms of Aging Award, Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic (2025-2026)
• Mayo Clinic principal investigator, Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics (2025)
• Rising Star Award in Neurodegenerative Research, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences (2019)
• Mary and Joseph A. Pignolo, Sr. Award in Aging Research, Institute on Aging (2012)
• Glenn Award for Research in Biological Mechanisms of Aging (2012)
• Leadership in Aging Fellow, Brookdale Foundation (2011)
• New Scholar in Aging Research, Ellison Medical Foundation (2011)

Dr. Baker has secured substantial grant funding, including multiple National Institute on Aging projects totaling over $8 million. His current research portfolio includes the Biological Analysis Core, JHU-Mayo-NIA Murine Senescence Mapping Program, and studies on the effects of senescence on Alzheimer's disease pathology. His work with the INK-ATTAC model has positioned him at the forefront of senescence research, with potential applications across multiple age-related conditions. Dr. Baker collaborates extensively with researchers studying aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to Mayo Clinic's comprehensive research ecosystem.

Dr. Baker leads research in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and the Children's Research Center at Mayo Clinic. His work with the Precision Mouse Engineering Core enables sophisticated genetic approaches to study senescence in vivo. His research group is part of the Cancer Cell Genomics, Signalling, and Metastasis Program, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of his work connecting cancer biology with aging research.