### RORC Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** RORC  
**Location:** Human Chromosome 1p36.22  
**Gene Function:** RORC (Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor C) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, functioning primarily as a transcription factor that regulates gene expression in a ligand-dependent manner. It plays critical roles in various physiological processes, particularly in the immune system, metabolism, and circadian rhythms.

### 1. Associated Genes
The RORC gene interacts with a number of other genes and proteins, some of which include:
- **THPO (thrombopoietin)**
- **IL12A (interleukin 12A)**
- **IL17A (interleukin 17A)**
- **CRY1 (cryptochrome circadian regulator 1)**
- **NR1D1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D, member 1)**
- **BMAL1 (brain and muscle arnt-like protein 1)**

These genes are involved in immune regulation, circadian rhythms, and metabolism.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research has indicated that RORC may be implicated in certain aspects of aging and age-related diseases, although these connections are still actively being studied. Some potential associations include:
- **Inflammatory Responses:** RORC has been linked to the regulation of immune responses which may become dysregulated with age, contributing to chronic inflammation often seen in older adults.
- **Metabolic Disorders:** Since RORC is involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, alterations in its expression/function could relate to age-related metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- **Circadian Rhythm Alterations:** Disturbances in circadian rhythms have been associated with aging, and RORC plays a role in regulating genes involved in this process. Disruption in circadian patterns can impact longevity and age-related diseases.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Several drugs and drug classes may interact with RORC, either directly or indirectly through its signaling pathways. These include:
- **Glucocorticoids:** These may have effects on RORC activity due to the interplay between different nuclear receptors.
- **Anti-inflammatory drugs:** Certain anti-inflammatory treatments could influence the expression of RORC and its target genes in immune modulation.
- **Synthetic ligands (such as T0901317):** Some selective ROR agonists and antagonists have been developed for research purposes, targeting RORC to understand its functions better in disease contexts.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
RORC is involved in multiple biological processes and pathways, including:
- **Lymphoid Organogenesis:** Essential for the development of secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes and spleen.
- **Thymopoiesis:** Plays a regulatory role in T cell development within the thymus.
- **Circadian Rhythm Regulation:** Influences the expression of clock genes, thereby affecting circadian rhythm entrainment in peripheral tissues.
- **Metabolism:** Regulates lipid and glucose metabolism by modulating gene expression in liver and adipose tissue.
- **Immune Response:** Critical for the differentiation and function of various immune cell subsets, particularly Th17 cells, in inflammatory responses.
- **Adipogenesis:** Regulation of adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity, with implications for obesity and metabolic syndrome.

### Summary
The RORC gene encodes a versatile transcription factor with significant roles in immunity, metabolism, and circadian rhythm regulation. It interacts with a host of other genes, exhibits potential implications in aging and metabolic diseases, and engages with various drug classes that may modify its activity. Ongoing research continues to elucidate the full spectrum of RORC functions and its impact on health and disease.