Dan Ehninger
Reverses cognitive deficits in a genetic disease with an mTOR-inhibiting drug, then rigorously tests the limits of using it to slow aging itself
MD, Charité Berlin/UCL/Mount Sinai/Harvard (clinical training) · postdoc, UCLA (Alcino Silva lab, 2004–2009) · Group Leader, DZNE Bonn (since 2010)
Translational Biogerontology Group, DZNE Bonn ↗
As UCLA postdoc, showed (EHN2008) Tsc2+/- mice have hyperactive mTOR/hippocampal learning deficits, reversible with a short rapamycin course — an early demonstration mTOR drugs could treat cognitive symptoms of a genetic disorder. At DZNE, led a rigorous large-scale phenotyping study (NEF2013): rapamycin extends mouse lifespan but leaves most classic aging phenotypes unchanged — a standard citation distinguishing 'longer life' from 'slower aging.'
Physician trained in neurology before full-time research; DZNE group continues skeptical, rigorous mouse-aging science.
Milestones in the Atlas
| Year | Evidence | Study |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | A | Reversal of learning deficits in a Tsc2+/- mouse model of tuberous sclerosis EHN2008 Rapamycin reverses hippocampal learning/memory deficits in Tsc2+/- mice. |
| 2013 | A | Rapamycin extends murine lifespan but has limited effects on aging NEF2013 Rapamycin extends lifespan but leaves most classic aging markers unchanged. |