### PGK1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** PGK1  
**Location:** Chromosome X (Xq13.1)  
**Function:** The PGK1 gene codes for phosphoglycerate kinase 1, an enzyme that plays a central role in glycolysis by catalyzing the conversion of 1,3-diphosphoglycerate to 3-phosphoglycerate, resulting in the production of ATP. PGK1 is also implicated in additional functions beyond glycolysis, including acting as a cofactor for DNA polymerase α and participating in the process of angiogenesis through interactions with plasmin.

### 1. Associated Genes
PGK1 is associated with several other genes that may interact in the context of metabolic pathways, cellular functions, or clinical phenotypes. Notable associated genes include:

- **GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase)**: Involved in glycolysis and often studied in conjunction with PGK1 regarding glucose metabolism.
- **PFKM (Phosphofructokinase, Muscle)**: Part of the glycolytic pathway, interacting in the regulation of energy metabolism.
- **LDHA (Lactate Dehydrogenase A)**: Another enzyme in the anaerobic pathway, playing a role in Lactic acid production from pyruvate and maintaining energy under low oxygen conditions.
- **ADH1 (Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1)**: Interest may lie in metabolic pathways concerning alcohol metabolism, which could be relevant in the context of glycolysis.
- **SLC2A1 (Glucose Transporter Type 1)**: Important in glucose homeostasis, potentially impacting PGK1 function.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research indicates that a deficiency in PGK1 activity can lead to conditions such as **hemolytic anemia** and **neurological impairment**. There is growing interest in the relationship between glycolytic enzyme activity, energy metabolism, and cellular senescence in aging. Specific details around PGK1 include:

- **Age-related neurological diseases**: Reduced glycolytic function may contribute to neuronal degeneration, impacting diseases like Alzheimer's.
- **Metabolic syndromes**: Abnormalities in energy metabolism often correlate with age, potentially linking PGK1 activity to conditions such as diabetes and obesity among the elderly.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs widely recognized to directly target PGK1, but it could interact indirectly through metabolic pathways. Certain classes of drugs may affect glycolytic metabolism in which PGK1 is involved:

- **Metformin**: Commonly used for type 2 diabetes, can influence glycolytic pathways.
- **Kaposi’s Sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV)**: Investigation into therapies targeting angiogenesis may reveal interactions related to PGK1’s role in tumor biology.
- **Cancer therapeutics**: Agents targeting glycolytic metabolism are being assessed that could indirectly involve PGK1.

### 4. Biological Pathways and Processes
PGK1 is involved in a variety of biological pathways and processes, including:

- **Glycolysis**: As a key enzyme, PGK1 catalyzes one of the ATP-generating steps of this central metabolic pathway.
- **Angiogenesis**: Through its action on plasmin, PGK1 may help regulate blood vessel formation in tumors.
- **Cellular Energy Metabolism**: PGK1 is crucial for efficient ATP production in cells under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Emerging studies suggest a connection between glycolytic enzymes and the regulation of the cell cycle in some cancer types.

### Conclusion
PGK1 is not only vital for energy metabolism but also plays diverse roles in cellular functions and disease mechanisms. Its interaction with several genes, influence on aging and age-related diseases, potential drug interactions, and involvement in crucial pathways underline its importance as a multifaceted protein in both normal physiology and pathology. Continued research may elucidate further details of PGK1's roles in health and disease.