### RPL13AP17 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** RPL13AP17  
**Full Name:** Ribosomal Protein L13A Pseudogene 17  
**Location:** Chromosome 3, 3q26.1  

#### 1. Associated Genes

RPL13AP17 is a pseudogene related to the RPL13A gene (Ribosomal Protein L13A), a protein-coding gene involved in the assembly of ribosomal proteins. While RPL13AP17 itself does not encode a protein, it is often analyzed in the context of nearby and related genes, including:

- **RPL13A**: The parent gene that encodes a ribosomal protein.
- **Other pseudogenes in the RPL gene family**: These may include RPL13AP1, RPL13AP12, and several others, as well as other pseudogenes located near RPL13AP17.

#### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases

Currently, there is limited direct literature associating RPL13AP17 with specific aspects of aging or age-related diseases. However, ribosomal proteins and their associated pathways often play essential roles in protein synthesis and cellular homeostasis, both critical factors in aging processes. Alterations in ribosomal functions are implicated in various age-related conditions, including:

- **Cancer:** Dysregulation of ribosomal genes can contribute to tumorigenesis.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: Some studies suggest that cellular stress related to ribosome biogenesis may play a role in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

An indirect association may be speculated through its relationship with RPL13A and other ribosomal proteins in the context of these diseases, but specific evidence for RPL13AP17 remains sparse.

#### 3. Drug Interactions

As RPL13AP17 is a pseudogene, it does not encode a functional protein and, therefore, does not have specific drug interactions. However, ribosomal proteins including RPL13A can be targeted by certain classes of drugs, notably:

- **Antibiotics (e.g., Macrolides, Tetracyclines)**: These may target the ribosomal machinery in bacteria but do not directly affect human ribosomal proteins.
- **Anticancer Drugs**: Some drugs target ribosomal biogenesis pathways which might indirectly relate to the features of RPL13AP17 through its association with RPL13A.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

RPL13AP17 likely does not participate in specific biological pathways due to its nature as a pseudogene. However, the functional ribosomal protein RPL13A is involved in:

- **Ribosome Biogenesis**: The assembly of ribosomal subunits in the nucleolus.
- **Translation**: Facilitating protein synthesis through mRNA translation.
- **Cell Growth and Proliferation**: Since ribosomal proteins are essential for protein synthesis, they significantly influence these processes.

Additionally, genes and pseudogenes sharing sequence homology often reflect evolutionary constraints and biological functions rooted in their ancestry, hinting at complex regulatory networks of gene expression.

### Summary

RPL13AP17 is a pseudogene associated with ribosomal functions indirectly through its link to RPL13A and potentially other surrounding genes. While direct connections to aging, age-related diseases, and drug interactions are limited, its relationship to ribosome assembly and protein synthesis remains a crucial area for further exploration. The investigation of its impact may yield insights into complex biomedical phenomena, particularly related to ribosomal protein dynamics in human health and disease.