Nathan K. LeBrasseur

Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., M.S., is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Department of Physiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He holds key leadership roles including Director of the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Co-Director of the Mayo Clinic Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, and Scientific Director of the Office of Translation to Practice. His work is central to advancing the science of aging and its clinical translation.

Research Interests:
Nathan K. LeBrasseur's research is dedicated to understanding the biological mechanisms of aging, with a focus on cellular senescence, skeletal muscle aging, and the development of biomarkers of biological age. His lab investigates how senescent cells contribute to physical decline, metabolic dysfunction, and frailty. A major focus is on how lifestyle factors, particularly exercise, can modulate the accumulation and clearance of senescent cells to promote resilience in older adults.

Research Trends:
His recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong trend towards translational and clinical research. The work spans from fundamental discoveries in cell biology (e.g., mtDNA release in senescence) to the characterization of human biomarkers for use in clinical trials. There is a clear emphasis on developing and validating tools to measure biological aging and on understanding the systemic impact of senescent cells on organs like muscle, bone, heart, and brain. His research increasingly leverages large cohort studies and aims to identify individuals who would benefit most from anti-aging interventions.

• Scientific Awards:
• Noaber Foundation Professor of Aging Research, Mayo Clinic (2024)
• Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research, American Federation for Aging Research (2019)

Advising and Grants:
Dr. LeBrasseur is a Principal Investigator (PI) on multiple major research grants, primarily from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). His funded projects include 'The Impact of Biological Mechanisms of Aging on Response Variability to Resistance Training in Older Adults (BRIO)' and the 'Biological Analysis Core.' He also serves as PI for the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award and is a Co-PI on the Midwest Murine-Tissue Mapping Center. This extensive grant portfolio reflects his leadership in large-scale, collaborative aging research.

Labs and Teams:
Dr. LeBrasseur leads a research laboratory focused on the biology of aging at Mayo Clinic. His work is deeply integrated with major institutional centers, including the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and the Mayo Clinic Paul F. Glenn Center. He is part of a large, collaborative network of scientists investigating cellular senescence, senolytics, and aging mechanisms, often co-authoring with leading figures in the geroscience field.