### KLHDC1 Gene

**Gene Summary:**
The KLHDC1 gene encodes a protein that functions as a substrate-recognition component of the Cul5-RING (CRL5) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex, specifically within the C-end degron rule pathway. It recognizes specific C-degron sequences at the C-terminus of target proteins, facilitating their ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. The KRHDC1 protein plays a crucial role in cellular processes involving protein quality control, particularly by targeting misfolded or improperly translated proteins for degradation.

#### 1. Associated Genes:
While specific genes associated with KLHDC1 are not explicitly mentioned in the provided summaries, the following genes are often related through the ubiquitin-proteasome system or selenoprotein metabolism:
- **SELENOS** - The selenoprotein that is known to be targeted by KLHDC1 for degradation in response to decoding errors.
- **CUL5** - As a critical component of the CRL5 complex, it is involved in the ubiquitination process regulated by KLHDC1.
- **RBX1** (RING box protein 1) - Another component of the E3 ligase complex that works in conjunction with KLHDC1 and CUL5.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases:
The KLHDC1 gene's involvement in the degradation of misfolded proteins could be particularly relevant to age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), where protein misfolding and aggregation are common features. Impaired proteostasis due to the dysfunction of pathways like the one involving KLHDC1 may lead to the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates, potentially contributing to cellular aging and age-associated decline.

#### 3. Drug Interactions:
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes known to directly interact with the KLHDC1 gene or its protein product documented in the available literature. However, certain small molecules that impact the ubiquitin-proteasome system, such as proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib) or modulators of protein homeostasis (e.g., autophagy enhancers), might indirectly influence the pathways involving KLHDC1.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes:
KLHDC1 is involved in:
- **Ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process**: It plays a key role in targeted protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
- **C-end degron pathway**: Specifically involved in the recognition and degradation of proteins with C-terminal degrons via the DesCEND mechanism.
- **Protein ubiquitination**: This process is essential for maintaining cellular protein homeostasis and regulating the turnover of short-lived and damaged proteins.

The KLHDC1 gene is an important player in the maintenance of cellular function and health, with particular relevance in pathways that ensure the degradation of faulty proteins and potentially impacts aging and associated diseases.