### DUTP4 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** DUTP4  
**Full Name:** Deoxyuridine Triphosphate Nucleotidohydrolase 4  

**Gene Function:** The DUTP4 gene encodes an enzyme that is important in nucleotide metabolism, specifically the hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and inorganic phosphate. This reaction is crucial for the generation of dTMP, which is subsequently converted to dTTP, an essential building block for DNA synthesis.

### Associated Genes
While DUTP4 may not have widely recognized associations beyond its direct enzymatic function, genes involved in nucleotide metabolism and broader DNA synthesis pathways may show some level of association:

1. **DPYD** (Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase) - involved in pyrimidine metabolism.
2. **TK1** (Thymidine Kinase 1) - plays a role in nucleotide salvage pathways.
3. **UMPS** (Uridine Monophosphate Synthase) - involved in synthesizing uridine nucleotides.

### Aging or Age-Related Disease Associations
- **Aging:** There is limited direct literature specifically linking DUTP4 to aging; however, its role in nucleotide metabolism suggests potential involvement in cellular replication and repair, processes that are critical in aging cells.
- **Cancer:** Variations in nucleotide metabolism, including enzymes like DUTP4, can contribute to genomic instability, which is a hallmark of cancer. Older age is a known risk factor for various cancers, which may involve mutations or dysregulation in genes like DUTP4.

### Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific medications or drug classes directly associated with DUTP4. However, as it plays a role in nucleotide metabolism, compounds affecting nucleotide synthesis, like certain anti-cancer drugs (e.g., antimetabolites), might indirectly interact with pathways involving DUTP4.

### Pathways and Biological Processes
1. **DNA Repair and Replication:** DUTP4 is involved in the metabolism of deoxynucleotides necessary for DNA synthesis and repair.
2. **Deoxyribonucleotide Metabolic Process:** This includes the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides, which are monomers that make up DNA.
3. **Pyrimidine Metabolism:** As part of the pathway that converts UTP to TTP via dUTP, this gene plays a role in pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis.
4. **Response to DNA Damage:** The activity of DUTP4 may have implications in cellular responses to DNA damage, particularly in avoiding the incorporation of dUTP into DNA, which can lead to mutagenesis.

### Conclusion
DUTP4 is an essential gene with functional importance in nucleotide metabolism and the integrity of DNA synthesis. While there is limited information on direct associations with aging, drug interactions, or specific age-related diseases, its role highlights its potential significance in the maintenance of genomic stability, which is critical for cell health throughout the lifespan. Further research could illuminate more about its interactions and roles in specific contexts.