### CEP162 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CEP162  
**Function**: The CEP162 gene is crucial for the assembly of primary cilia, specifically by promoting the formation of the transition zone at the base of the cilia. It is involved in the organization of microtubules and the structural integrity of centrosomes and centrioles.

#### 1. Associated Genes:
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided summaries, the following genes are commonly associated with CEP162 in literature and interaction studies:

- **CEP290**: Involved in ciliary function and associated with various ciliopathies; CEP162 is required to mediate its association with microtubules.
- **TTC21B**: Involved in cilia and flagella signaling.
- **IFT88**: Important for intraflagellar transport in cilia assembly and maintenance.
- **KIF3A**: A motor protein involved in the transport of molecular cargo along cilia.
- **ARL13B**: Plays roles in ciliary signaling and formation.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases:
CEP162 has not been directly linked to aging in most studies; however, dysfunctions in ciliary assembly and maintenance, which CEP162 is involved in, are associated with a range of age-related diseases and ciliopathies, including:

- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Alterations in cilia function can affect signaling pathways involved in neuronal survival and health.
- **Kidney diseases**: Disorders related to cilia structure, such as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), may have age-related components.
- **Cardiovascular diseases**: Cilia are involved in vascular health and signaling, and their impairment may have age-associated risks.

#### 3. Drug Interactions:
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes explicitly known to interact with the CEP162 gene itself. However, given its involvement in ciliary structures, it may be indirectly influential in pathways affected by drugs targeting cilia-related signaling pathways.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes:
CEP162 is involved in several key biological processes and signaling pathways, including:

- **Ciliary Assembly and Disassembly**: Critical for the formation and maintenance of cilia.
- **Ciliary Transport and Signaling**: Participates in intraflagellar transport; essential for ciliary function.
- **Microtubule Organization**: Plays a role in the stability and structure of microtubules within the centrosome and cilia.
- **Centrosome Cycle Regulation**: Implicated in the organization of centrioles and control of the cell cycle.

**Biological Processes**:
- **Cilium assembly (GO:0060271)**
- **Centrosome organization (GO:0005813)**
- **Microtubule-based movement (GO:0007018)**

### Conclusion
CEP162 is a crucial gene for the proper assembly and function of primary cilia and associated with microtubule dynamics. Although direct associations with specific age-related diseases or drugs are limited, its role in ciliary biology places it in significant pathways that impact cellular health and may influence age-associated cellular degeneration.