### CALD1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CALD1  
**Description:** The CALD1 gene encodes a calmodulin- and actin-binding protein critical for regulating smooth muscle and nonmuscle contraction. Its protein product facilitates actin filaments' interaction with tropomyosin and other myofibrillar proteins and plays a significant role in cellular processes like mitosis and Schwann cell migration.

### 1. Associated Genes
CALD1 is implicated in several cellular pathways involving proteins and other genes, including:

- **MYH9** (Myosin Heavy Chain 9): Interacts with CALD1 as part of the actomyosin complex.
- **ACTA1** (Alpha Actin): The gene encoding muscle actin that interacts with CALD1 in muscle cells.
- **TPM1** (Tropomyosin 1): CALD1 enhances tropomyosin's stabilization of actin filaments.
- **CALM1** (Calmodulin 1): The binding of CALD1 with calmodulin is crucial for its calcium-dependent functions.
- **MYLK** (Myosin Light Chain Kinase): Related in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction.

### 2. Age-Related Insights
While specific aging studies directly linking CALD1 to age-related diseases may be limited, the following points are relevant:

- **Smooth Muscle Function:** CALD1 plays a significant role in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle contraction, and age-related vascular stiffness may be connected to altered CALD1 function, potentially impacting cardiovascular health.
- **Mitochondrial Activity:** CALD1 may influence cellular energy processes; therefore, dysfunction in its activity might contribute to age-related decline in cellular metabolic efficiency.
- **Neuroscience:** Since CALD1 is involved in Schwann cell migration, dysregulation may have implications in neural regeneration, which tends to diminish with age.

### 3. Drug Interactions
CALD1 can affect the pharmacodynamics of various drugs. While specific drugs targeting CALD1 are not prominent, the following classes may interact or be influenced by its function:

- **Calcium channel blockers:** As CALD1's activity is modulated via calcium-calmodulin, these drugs may indirectly affect its functional pathways.
- **Smooth muscle relaxants:** Any drugs targeting myosin light chain signaling or actin interactions may impact CALD1-related pathways in smooth muscle tissues.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CALD1 is involved in several critical biological processes and pathways, including:

- **Regulation of Cytoskeletal Organization:** Interacts with actin and myosin, playing a pivotal role in actin filament dynamics and structure.
- **Smooth Muscle Contraction:** Acts as a calcium-dependent mediator in the regulation of actomyosin interactions.
- **Cell Motility and Migration:** CALD1's role in Schwann cell migration highlights its importance in regenerative processes, particularly peripheral nerve repair.
- **Mitosis:** Involvement in cellular mitosis suggests CALD1 may have a broader role in cell cycle regulation.

Overall, CALD1 represents a significant player in cytoskeletal dynamics and contraction regulation across various tissues, with potential implications for age-related physiological changes and therapeutic targets. Further research could provide enhanced insights, particularly in the context of aging and disease.