We are proposing to address the basic biology of ageing an innovative approach investigating early ageing cell and tissue signatures using in vitro and in vivo models of connective tissue diseases. Monogenic and common disorders of cartilage (WP1: DC 2, 4, 5, 9, 11), bone (WP2: DC 1, 6), muscle (WP3: DC 3, 7) and vasculature system (WP3: DC 12) will be starting points to evaluate the ageing related multi-systemic impairments in musculoskeletal and vascular systems, addressing pathways known to be “pillars of ageing”, with the aim to increase mechanistic insight for innovative drug development (WP4: DC 8, 10). Our strong collaborative and interdisciplinary approach between academic  and non-academic partners ensures a timely project realization, with particular attention paid to joint training activities (WP5) for the DCs to strengthen their knowledge on current issues in biology of ageing and their skills on results communication and dissemination (WP6). The well-defined management strategy is in place to propel the whole network to innovative outcomes (WP7).

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