### VPS72 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: VPS72

**Description**: The VPS72 gene encodes a protein that is a shared subunit of two multi-component complexes: the histone acetyltransferase complex TRRAP/TIP60 and the chromatin remodeling SRCAP-containing complex. Its functions are vital for processes such as transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis and involve the exchange of histone variants in chromatin.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries provided already mention TRRAP, TIP60, and SRCAP, additional genes often associated with VPS72 include:

- **H2AFZ (H2A.Z)**: Encodes the histone variant that VPS72 is involved with in chromatin remodeling.
- **BRCA1**: Known to play a role in DNA repair mechanisms. The TRRAP/TIP60 complex has been shown to be involved with BRCA1 in the repair of double-strand breaks.
- **KAT5 (Tip60)**: Another histone acetyltransferase that interacts with VPS72 in the acetylation process.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
VPS72 may have implications in aging and age-related diseases, particularly due to its role in maintaining chromatin integrity:

- **Stem Cell Activity**: VPS72 has been linked to regulating long-term hematopoietic stem cell activity, which is critical for tissue homeostasis and response to aging-related stress.
- **Cancer**: As it is involved in apoptosis and DNA damage repair, dysregulation of VPS72 might contribute to tumorigenesis and compromise cellular functions during aging.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: There's emerging research focusing on chromatin remodeling in neurodegenerative diseases, where VPS72's role may be implicated.

### 3. Drug Interactions
As of October 2023, specific data on drugs directly targeting VPS72 may be limited. However, drugs that affect:

- **Histone Deacetylases (HDACs)**: Since VPS72 is involved in histone acetylation and chromatin remodeling, HDAC inhibitors (like Vorinostat, Panobinostat) might indirectly modulate VPS72 function.
- **Chemotherapeutics**: Drugs targeting bypass pathways that include DNA repair mechanisms may interact with VPS72 indirectly, considering its involvement with the TRRAP/TIP60 complex.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
The VPS72 gene is involved in multiple fundamental biological processes:

- **Chromatin Remodeling**: VPS72 is a critical component of the SRCAP complex, facilitating the ATP-dependent exchange of H2A with H2A.Z in nucleosomes.
- **DNA Repair**: As part of the TRRAP/TIP60 complex, it is essential for the acetylation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks.
- **Transcription Regulation**: VPS72 plays a significant role in gene expression through histone modification and chromatin remodeling via its activity in these complexes.
- **Apoptosis**: Targeting both transcription and DNA repair, VPS72 contributes to cell death processes in response to cellular damage.

In summary, VPS72 is a crucial player in chromatin dynamics, influencing gene regulation, DNA repair, and potential implications in cancer biology and stem cell functionality, along with being linked to aging and age-related disorders.