### IQCA1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** IQCA1

**Family:** ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities (AAA) superfamily

**Protein Summary:** The protein encoded by the IQCA1 gene is integral to the nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC), which plays a crucial role in ciliary and flagellar motility. Functions associated with the gene include maintaining the alignment and integrity of the distal axoneme and regulating microtubule sliding in motile axonemes.

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### 1. Associated Genes
IQCA1 has been implicated in various multi-gene interactions within pathways, but specific direct associations are less frequently detailed. However, here are some relevant genes that may be functionally linked or involved in similar pathways:

- **DYNC1H1**: Dynein cytoplasmic 1 heavy chain 1 is a component of the dynein motor complex, which is associated with ciliary and flagellar movements.
- **TTC9**: Tetratricopeptide repeat domain 9 may have interactions in the context of cilia and flagellar structure.
- **BBS genes**: Various Bardet-Biedl syndrome genes are also involved in ciliary function and may share pathways with IQCA1.
  
Specific interactions or associations may require further investigation depending on the biological context being studied.

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### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While IQCA1 is primarily linked to motility functions, ciliary dysfunction has been implicated in several age-related diseases, including:

- **Ciliopathies:** Disorders arising from malfunction of cilia, which can affect many systems in the body, potentially related to aging.
- **Neurodegenerative diseases:** Ciliary dysfunction has been observed in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, possibly linking IQCA1’s role in ciliary function to age-related neurodegeneration.
- **Cardiovascular diseases:** Dysfunctional cilia have also been associated with heart conditions, which can be influenced by age.

Although there isn't direct evidence specifically linking IQCA1 to aging, its role in ciliary function positions it within disease mechanisms where age-related declines in cilia may be impactful.

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### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes that are well-characterized to interact directly with the IQCA1 protein. However, as IQCA1 is involved in ciliary regulation and motility, drugs influencing ciliary dynamics, such as those targeting microtubule stabilization (e.g., Taxanes), may indirectly affect processes involving IQCA1 functionality. Further experimental studies may illuminate potential pharmacological interactions more clearly.

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### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
IQCA1 is mainly involved in the following biological processes and pathways:

- **Ciliary/Flagellar Motility**: Directly implicated in the maintenance of cilia and flagellar functional integrity.
- **Regulation of Axoneme Structure**: Plays a key role in the organization and regulation of the extracellular structure in cilia.
- **Microtubule Dynamics**: Involved in regulating microtubule sliding functions critical for motility.
- **Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex Dynamics**: Functions as an essential component of the N-DRC, affecting the overall dynamics of ciliary and flagellar motility.

Additional pathways can be explored through databases like KEGG or Reactome based on experimental studies as they evolve.

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In conclusion, IQCA1 plays a critical role in cellular motility associated with cilia, linking it to broader biological processes, particularly in motility mechanisms. Its associations with aging, potential drug interactions, and biological pathways highlight its relevance in both fundamental biology and disease contexts.