### CAPN14 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CAPN14  
**Protein Summary:** CAPN14 encodes a calcium-regulated non-lysosomal thiol-protease that is part of the calpain family. Calpains are a group of cysteine proteases that require calcium for their activity and are involved in various cellular processes, including signaling, cytoskeletal remodeling, and apoptosis.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the provided summaries do not specify associated genes, CAPN14 has been studied in relation to its role in various signaling pathways and its involvement in specific biological processes. Potentially associated genes include:

- **CALM1, CALM2, CALM3:** These genes encode calmodulin proteins, which may interact with CAPN14 in calcium signaling pathways.
- **CAPN1, CAPN2:** Other members of the calpain family that could have functional overlaps or interactions with CAPN14.
  
Additionally, CAPN14 may be involved in pathways linked to genes related to inflammation and cellular stress responses.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
- **Aging:** Research suggests that calpains have a role in the aging process due to their involvement in various cellular processes, including apoptosis and cellular signaling. CAPN14 may be implicated in age-related changes in tissue and organ function, particularly those involving the extracellular matrix and muscle degeneration.
  
- **Age-Related Diseases:** Specific studies have linked CAPN14 to conditions such as osteoarthritis. Its protease function may contribute to the degradation of cartilage, which is a key characteristic of this disease. However, direct associations with age-related diseases are still under investigation and may require more research for conclusive results.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there may not be specific drugs directly targeting CAPN14 due to its relatively novel identification and biological importance. However, calpain inhibitors are a broad class of compounds that may affect CAPN14 activity. Such inhibitors are often investigated in:

- **Pain Management:** Analgesics might interact with calpain activity in models of nociception.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Research into calpain inhibitors is ongoing, particularly in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and muscular dystrophies, where calpain activity contributes to pathology.
  
Common calpain inhibitors include **ethyl acetate**, **N-acetyl-leu-leu-methional**, and others used in preclinical research.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CAPN14 is associated with several biological pathways and processes, including:

- **Protein Degradation:** CAPN14 functions in the proteolytic cleavage of substrate proteins, which can influence various signaling pathways.
- **Cell Signaling:** It plays roles in calcium signaling and protein kinase cascades, impacting cell growth and differentiation.
- **Inflammation:** CAPN14 may influence inflammatory responses, particularly in the context of tissue remodeling and repair.
- **Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Remodeling:** Given its protease activity, CAPN14 may contribute to the degradation and remodeling of ECM components, impacting tissue integrity and repair processes.

Overall, CAPN14 is a crucial gene with multifaceted roles in cellular function, aging, and potentially age-related pathologies, warranting further study to fully elucidate its contributions and therapeutic potentials.