TRIAD, a program that exploits the upstream synergy mode under pathway A to enhance synergism between three ERDF-funded labs in Greece (Garinis lab), Portugal (Azzalin lab) and the Czech Republic (Krejčí lab) with a scientific focus on the functional role of telomeres in health and disease. Telomeres are essential protective caps found at chromosome ends and are responsible for maintaining genomic stability. They play a crucial role in safeguarding chromosomes from being recognized as double-stranded DNA breaks, thereby preventing the activation of the DNA damage response and avoiding chromosome fusions. With each cell division, telomeres naturally undergo a progressive shortening process. When telomeres become too short, cells are unable to divide, thus preventing uncontrolled cell growth, a major hallmark of cancer. However, this also triggers cellular senescence and leads to tissue malfunction. Consequently, the maintenance of telomeres intersects with the processes of aging and cancer (Figure 1). This convergence offers great promise for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches, aimed at combating age-related diseases and improving overall human health.

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