The Humanism and Science Foundation is proud to support cutting-edge scientific initiatives that seek to understand and address fundamental health challenges. Through a significant contribution, we have supported a highly relevant research project within the CNIO's Telomeres and Telomerase Group, led by the center's distinguished researcher and scientific director, María A. Blasco. This financial backing has allowed the group to adopt the name Telomeres and Telomerase Group – Humanism and Science Foundation for the next four years.
Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying cellular immortality, a crucial aspect in understanding and treating cancer and other aging-related diseases. We focus on the enzyme telomerase and telomeres, essential components for genomic stability and chromosomal protection. Telomerase, present in a high percentage of human cancers, and its relationship with telomeres are crucial areas of study for understanding how tumor cells avoid programmed cell mortality.
This research ranges from the generation of animal models to validate therapies targeting telomeres and telomerase, to the exploration of interactions between telomeres and DNA repair pathways. We also investigate the role of telomeric noncoding RNAs in regulating these processes, as well as the feasibility of telomerase gene therapy in diseases associated with telomere alterations.
This support from the Humanism and Science Foundation allows research in this crucial field to advance, offering promising prospects for the development of more effective and personalized therapies. We are committed to continuing to support innovative research that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the improvement of the health and well-being of society.
Identifying the cellular origin of telomere dysfunction in renal fibrosis
