### RNF181 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** RNF181  
**Protein Summary:** RNF181 encodes an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase involved in the ubiquitination process, which is crucial for protein degradation, signaling, and cellular regulation. It transfers ubiquitin from an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme to specific substrates, and is known to monoubiquitinate the 26S proteasome subunit PSMC2/RPT1.

#### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries from NCBI and UniProt specifically mention the 26S proteasome subunit PSMC2 as a target for ubiquitination by RNF181, other genes potentially associated with RNF181 based on its role in ubiquitination and proteasomal processes include:

- **UBC genes (Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzymes):** Various UBC genes that serve as E2 enzymes.
- **PSMC family:** Other members of the proteasome core complex, including PSMC3 and PSMB3, which might interact indirectly through shared biological pathways.
- **Other genes involved in ubiquitin-proteasome pathway:** E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, such as HUWE1 (a ligase) and USP14 (a deubiquitinating enzyme).

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Though specific studies on RNF181 and aging may be limited, its role as an E3 ligase suggests that it may have implications in:

- **Protein Homeostasis:** Defects in ubiquitination processes are known to affect protein turnover and clearance, contributing to age-related cellular stress.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system has been implicated in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease; while RNF181 itself may not be directly linked to these conditions, its function in ubiquitination may position it as a key player in these mechanisms.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes explicitly documented to target RNF181 in widely available databases. However, drugs that modulate proteasome activity (e.g., proteasome inhibitors such as Bortezomib) or influence the ubiquitin-proteasome system in general may indirectly affect RNF181 function, given its role in protein degradation.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
RNF181 is involved in several critical biological processes:

- **Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway:** Directly involved in tagging proteins for degradation.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Ubiquitination of specific proteins regulates various phases of the cell cycle.
- **Response to Stress:** RNF181 may also play a role in cellular stress responses by regulating the turnover of proteins associated with stress pathways.

Moreover, RNF181 may have connections to signaling pathways that manage cellular homeostasis, growth, and apoptosis, but specific pathways directly involving RNF181 require further research for definitive identification.

### Summary
RNF181 is a key E3 ubiquitin ligase implicated in regulating protein turnover and has potential associations with other cellular processes, aging, and disease states. More research is needed to elucidate its full impact on health and disease, particularly concerning aging and drug interactions.