### RIOK2 Gene Overview

The RIOK2 gene (Ribosome Biogenesis (RIO Kinase) 2) encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase primarily involved in the maturation of the 40S ribosomal subunit, regulation of ribosomal RNA processing, and the mitotic cell cycle.

#### 1. Associated Genes
In addition to the genes mentioned in the summaries (NOB1, PNO1, and LTV1), RIOK2 is also associated with several other genes involved in ribosome biogenesis and cellular processes. These include:

- **RIOK1**: It is closely related to RIOK2 and may have overlapping functions in ribosome biogenesis.
- **RPL3**, **RPS6**: Both are components of the ribosomal machinery and interact with processes related to ribosome assembly.
- **PLK1**: Related to the regulation of cell cycle processes and is known to phosphorylate RIOK2, indicating a functional relationship during mitosis.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific studies directly linking RIOK2 to aging or age-related diseases are limited, its role in ribosome biogenesis is critical for cellular function and viability, which are known to impact aging processes. Dysregulation of ribosome biogenesis has been implicated in:

- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Impairments in ribosome function can contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
- **Cancer**: Altered ribosomal activity and pathways can lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation associated with tumors.

As a kinase involved in critical cell-cycle regulation, aberrations in RIOK2 may also play roles in age-related cellular senescence and organismal lifespan.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
The specific interactions of drugs with RIOK2 may not be extensively characterized. However, general classes of compounds that could theoretically interact owing to the protein's kinase activity include:

- **Kinase inhibitors**: Drugs targeting specific kinases can impact RIOK2 activity indirectly. For example, inhibitors of PLK1 may alter RIOK2 phosphorylation and its function.
- **Antitumor agents**: Since ribosome biogenesis is often hijacked in cancer cells, agents that impact general ribosomal function may also affect RIOK2.

Specific drugs targeting RIOK2 explicitly have not been defined, and experimental evidence would be necessary to elucidate such interactions.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
RIOK2 is involved in various biological pathways and processes:

- **Ribosome biogenesis**: Central to the assembly and maturation of ribosomal subunits, particularly the 40S subunit.
- **Regulation of pre-rRNA processing**: Facilitates the conversion of pre-rRNA to mature forms, notably the maturation of 18S rRNA.
- **Mitotic cell cycle**: Plays a critical role in ensuring proper timing and regulation during the metaphase-anaphase transition.
- **Nuclear-cytoplasmic transport**: Involved in the export of pre-40S ribosomal subunits from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Overall, RIOK2 is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis through its regulatory roles in ribosome production and cell cycle progression, with potential implications for aging and pathological conditions.