### KIF20A Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** KIF20A  
**Function:** KIF20A encodes a mitotic kinesin protein, which is essential for proper cell division, specifically during cytokinesis. This protein facilitates microtubule dynamics and is involved in the recruitment of key proteins needed for the completion of cytokinesis, including interacting with the chromosome passenger complex (CPC).

### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries did not specify all gene associations, KIF20A has been studied in relation to several other genes involved in similar processes. Some of these include:

- **PLK1** (Polo-like kinase 1): Known to phosphorylate KIF20A, enhancing its function during mitosis.
- **RAB6A and RAB6B**: Genes that encode small GTPases involved in vesicular transport and Golgi organization, which interact with KIF20A.
- **AURKB** (Aurora kinase B): Plays a role in the CPC where KIF20A is actively recruited during mitosis.

### 2. Association with Aging and Age-Related Diseases
KIF20A has been implicated in restrictive cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that can occur in aging populations. Abnormalities in cytokinesis and cell division associated with KIF20A may lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to age-related pathologies, including:

- **Cancer**: Misregulation of KIF20A can result in genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer progression which is particularly relevant in older adults.
- **Cardiovascular diseases**: As noted, its dysfunction has been linked to restrictive cardiomyopathy, suggesting a potential role in cardiac aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs targeting KIF20A may not be well-characterized, since PLK1, which interacts with KIF20A, is an important target in cancer therapy, drugs that inhibit PLK1, such as selective PLK1 inhibitors (e.g., BI 6727, volasertib), may indirectly affect KIF20A due to their roles in cell division.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
KIF20A is involved in various pathways and biological processes, including:

- **Cytokinesis**: Central to cell division, critical for separating daughter cells.
- **Microtubule Dynamics**: Influencing microtubule organization and stability during mitosis.
- **Transport Processes**: Participates in the retrograde transport of Golgi membranes through its interactions with RAB6A and RAB6B.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: KIF20A activity is essential during mitosis and is regulated by phosphorylation events, highlighting its role in cell cycle checkpoints.

Overall, KIF20A plays a crucial role in cell division and has implications in certain pathological conditions, particularly those associated with aging and cellular regulation.