### NAA20 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** NAA20  
**Function:** The NAA20 gene encodes a protein that serves as the catalytic subunit of the NatB complex. This complex is responsible for the acetylation of N-terminal methionine residues of peptides that start with specific amino acids: aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), asparagine (Asn), and glutamine (Gln). The NatB complex plays a significant role in a variety of cellular functions, and substrates of NatB are often proteins associated with the cell cycle. Additionally, NAA20 is crucial for maintaining the structure and function of actomyosin fibers, which are essential for effective cellular migration.

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### 1. Associated Genes
- **NAA15:** Another member of the N-alpha-acetyltransferase family that works in conjunction with NAA20, particularly in the N-terminal acetylation processes.
- **MYH9 (Myosin heavy chain 9):** Involved in actomyosin contractility, relevant for processes regulated by NAA20.
- **PKA (protein kinase, cyclic AMP-dependent):** Might be involved in pathways that intersect with the function of NAA20 related to cell cycle progression.

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### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
- **Cellular Migration and Aging:** Proper functioning of actomyosin fibers is crucial for processes such as wound healing and tissue repair, which can be impaired with age. Dysregulation of proteins acetylated by NatB can lead to decreased migration of cells, contributing to age-related tissue degeneration.
- **Cancer:** Failure to properly regulate cell cycle and migration due to the loss of function or mutation in NAA20 may play a role in tumorigenesis. Some studies indicate that N-terminal acetylation is significant in various cancers, suggesting that NAA20 may have indirect connections with cancer pathology exacerbated by aging.

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### 3. Drug Interactions
- **Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi):** While not directly targeting NAA20, the action of HDAC inhibitors can influence the overall acetylation landscape of proteins within cells, which may impact the activity of NAA20 indirectly.
- **Cancer Therapeutics:** Drugs that affect the cell cycle may exhibit interactions with pathways involving NAA20, particularly inclusive of drugs like paclitaxel and doxorubicin, that are used in various cancer treatments. 

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### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
- **Protein Acetylation:** A key biological process wherein NAA20 acetylates the N-terminal residues, impacting protein stability and function.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Engagement in processes that manage the cell division cycle, possibly by modulating the activity of cell cycle proteins.
- **Cell Migration:** Critical in development, tissue repair, and immune responses, particularly due to its influence on actomyosin structure and dynamics.
- **Signal Transduction:** Participation in signaling pathways that regulate cell behavior, particularly in response to cellular stress or growth factors.

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### Summary
The NAA20 gene plays a vital role in protein acetylation and cellular mechanisms linked to migration and the cell cycle. Its functions have implications in aging, cellular health, and the pathology of diseases like cancer. Ongoing research may continue to elucidate its more intricate roles in physiological and pathological processes.