### PDE4A Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** PDE4A  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding gene  
**Function:** The PDE4A gene encodes an enzyme belonging to the phosphodiesterase (PDE) family, specifically the PDE4 subfamily. This enzyme is responsible for the hydrolysis of 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a crucial second messenger in numerous signaling pathways that regulate various physiological processes. By modulating cAMP levels, PDE4A plays an essential role in the regulation of diverse cellular responses to extracellular stimuli.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the NCBI and UniProt summaries do not mention specific associated genes, PDE4A has been implicated in various signaling pathways and cellular processes where it interacts with the following:

- **G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)**: PDE4A is activated in the context of signaling molecules that engage GPCRs.
- **PKA (Protein Kinase A)**: Often involved in signaling pathways dependent on cAMP levels.
- **Other PDE family members (e.g., PDE4B, PDE4C)**: These can interact within the same signaling pathways or competitors in cAMP degradation. 

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Research has indicated that dysregulation of cAMP signaling, mediated by phosphodiesterases such as PDE4A, may be implicated in age-related diseases such as:

- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Alterations in cAMP signaling pathways have been shown to be associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
- **Cardiovascular diseases**: PDE4A expression and activity may influence cardiac function, remodeling, and responses to stressors such as aging.
- **Inflammation and immune response**: As chronic inflammation is linked to aging and age-related diseases, PDE4A's role in regulating inflammatory responses can be significant.

### 3. Drug Interactions
PDE4A is a target for several therapeutic agents, particularly:

- **Phosphodiesterase inhibitors**: These drugs are used to increase cAMP levels and include:
  - **Roflumilast**: Primarily used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  - **Apremilast**: Used in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
  - **Other PDE4 inhibitors**: Various experimental drugs targeting PDE4 are being evaluated for other inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
  
### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PDE4A is involved in various important biological pathways and processes, including:

- **cAMP signaling pathway**: Central to numerous cellular responses related to growth, differentiation, and survival.
- **Regulation of inflammatory responses**: PDE4A negatively regulates the pro-inflammatory effects of cAMP.
- **Signal transduction pathways**: Involved in processes such as smooth muscle relaxation and immune cell signaling.
- **Cellular stress responses**: Responds to changes in the extracellular environment, impacting apoptosis and cell proliferation.

Overall, the PDE4A gene constitutes an important component in the regulation of cAMP levels with implications for various physiological functions, age-related diseases, and therapeutic interventions.