### CELF4 Gene Overview

**Official Gene Symbol**: CELF4  
**Entrez Gene ID**: 10621  
**Location**: Human chromosome 1q25.3  
**Gene Type**: Protein-coding gene

The CELF4 gene encodes a member of the CELF/BRUNOL protein family, characterized by the presence of multiple RNA recognition motifs (RRM). These proteins are predominantly involved in RNA processing, specifically in the regulation of alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. This capability enables CELF4 to play crucial roles in tissue-specific and developmentally regulated expression of genes.

### 1. Associated Genes

Aside from those mentioned, CELF4 is known to interact with a variety of other genes, particularly those involved in cardiac function and splicing, including:

- **TNNT2** (Tropomyosin 2): A cardiac muscle-specific troponin gene involved in muscle contraction.
- **ACTN1** (Actin Alpha Cardiac Muscle 1): A gene associated with actin filament structure and function.
- **MAPT** (Microtubule Associated Protein Tau): Involved in neurodegenerative diseases, especially related to exon 10 splicing.

Research studies have also identified interactions with genes related to synaptic function and other muscle-specific genes due to its role in splicing regulation.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Currently, there are few direct studies linking CELF4 to aging or age-related diseases explicitly; however, alternative splicing plays a critical role in muscle regeneration and function, which can be affected by age. Dysregulation of splicing factors like CELF4 may contribute to:

- **Cardiovascular Diseases**: Changes in splicing regulation could lead to dysfunctional heart adaptation and remodeling in aging.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: The involvement of CELF4 in splicing may indirectly impact the splicing of genes like MAPT, whose misregulation is observed in tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease.

The potential for CELF4 to influence the pathophysiology of conditions associated with aging suggests its study might yield insights into age-related impairments in muscle function and potential neurodegenerations.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the latest information, there are no specific drugs directly targeting CELF4 identified in major databases. However, given its role in alternative splicing and gene regulation, compounds impacting splicing mechanisms or transcription factors influencing CELF4 might indirectly affect its function:

- **Antisense Oligonucleotides**: These might be designed to modulate the expression of CELF4 or its target transcripts.
- **Small Molecule Modulators**: There may be experimental compounds or classes of drugs that influence spliceosome activity, hence affecting CELF4 indirectly.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

CELF4 is involved in several key biological processes, including but not limited to:

- **Alternative Splicing of Pre-mRNA**: Regulation of splice site selection and exon inclusion/exclusion.
- **Muscle Development and Function**: Regulation of splicing events important in cardiac muscle and smooth muscle development.
- **Embryonic Development**: Through its roles in splicing regulation important for various developmental genes.
- **Neuronal Development**: Influencing splicing of genes relevant to synaptic plasticity.

### Conclusion

The CELF4 gene plays a vital role in the regulation of mRNA splicing, with important implications for muscle development and function. Its interactions with various genes and potential implications in age-related diseases show its significance in both development and pathology. Further research may unveil more detailed connections to aging and therapeutic potentials.