Nuclear receptors function throughout development and aging as molecular integrators of complex physiological regulations, such as growth, reproduction and metabolism. To translate genetic knowledge from the Human Genome into therapy requires intimate understanding of fundamental regulatory mechanisms. CRESCENDO will build on existing knowledge and infrastructures by drawing together European excellence to focus on signalling dynamics, integration of target gene responses during development and aging, and human genetics and pathophysiology, emphasising key nuclear receptors. State-of-the-art genomic and post-genomic techniques will lever advances on mechanisms and kinetics of nuclear receptor signalling in processes underlying development and aging.