### UBE4A Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: UBE4A  
**Location**: Human chromosome 3 (specifically, at band 3q13.33).

### 1. Associated Genes
UBE4A is known to interact with and be associated with several other genes and proteins involved in ubiquitination and cell cycle regulation. Some notable ones include:

- **SECURIN (PTTG1)**: A direct substrate that is polyubiquitinated by UBE4A, facilitating chromosome segregation.
- **CDK1 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 1)**: Regulates cell cycle events and may interact indirectly with UBE4A through pathways controlling mitosis.
- **UBCH10 (UBE2C)**: An E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that is involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and interacts functionally with UBE4A.
- **p53 (TP53)**: Some studies suggest a regulatory interaction, as UBE4A may impact p53 degradation.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Research suggests that UBE4A may have implications in aging and age-related diseases. Some key points include:

- **Tumorigenesis**: Pathological alterations in ubiquitin-proteasome activity, including aberrations in UBE4A function, are thought to contribute to the accumulation of damaged proteins, leading to cellular senescence and cancer.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: The U-box ligases, including UBE4A, may play a role in the clearance of misfolded proteins, with implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Dysregulation may exacerbate protein aggregation.
- **Scleroderma and Crohn's Disease**: Autoantibodies against UBE4A have been implicated as potential biomarkers for these conditions, hinting at a role in the immune system's aging and dysfunction.

### 3. Drug Interactions
As of the latest research data, specific drugs interacting directly with UBE4A are not extensively characterized. However, some drug classes of interest may include:

- **Proteasome Inhibitors**: These drugs, such as bortezomib, may indirectly affect UBE4A's function by altering ubiquitin-proteasome pathway dynamics.
- **Cancer Therapeutics**: Investigational drugs targeting the proteasome or modulating E3 ligase activity could potentially involve pathways that UBE4A participates in, particularly in tumor contexts.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
UBE4A is involved in several critical biological processes, including:

- **Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway**: Functions primarily as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that catalyzes the transfer of ubiquitin moieties to target proteins, facilitating their degradation or altering their activity.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Plays a significant role in the regulation of mitosis through the ubiquitination of cell cycle components, notably securin.
- **Response to DNA Damage**: It is implicated in the cellular response to DNA damage via the ubiquitination of proteins involved in DNA repair and checkpoints.
- **Chromosome Segregation**: Involvement in the processes leading to mitotic progression and ensuring proper chromosome separation during cell division.

In summary, UBE4A is a multifunctional gene involved in critical cellular processes and has potential implications in cancer and other diseases, particularly those associated with aging. Further investigation into its role may provide insights into therapeutic targets and disease mechanisms.