### CDC123 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CDC123  
**Location:** Cytoplasm  
**Function:** The CDC123 gene is predicted to play a crucial role in the assembly of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) complex and positively regulates the initiation of translation. It is particularly important for the entry into S phase of the cell cycle, which is essential for DNA replication and subsequent cell division.

### 1. Associated Genes
CDC123 is often studied in the context of several interacting genes and pathways. Some associated genes include:

- **eIF2 genes** (e.g., EIF2A, EIF2B subunits) due to its function in translation initiation.
- **Cyclin genes** such as CCND1 and CCNE1, as they are involved in cell cycle regulation.
- **CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases)** like CDK2, as they interact closely during the transition from G1 to S phase in the cycle.
- **CDC25 genes**, which play a role in cell cycle regulation and may have interactions due to their functional relationship with CDC123.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific studies directly linking CDC123 to aging are limited, its involvement in cell cycle regulation suggests a potential role in age-related processes. Dysregulation of cell cycle genes is often associated with various age-related diseases, including:

- **Cancer:** Altered CDC123 function may contribute to oncogenesis due to inappropriate cell cycle progression.
- **Neurodegenerative diseases:** Cell cycle re-entry in post-mitotic neurons, often exacerbated by stress and aging, can lead to neurodegeneration. CDC123's role in cell cycle entry may have implications in such conditions.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs directly targeting CDC123 reported in major databases. However, due to its involvement in cell cycle regulation, it may indirectly affect cellular responses to:

- **Chemotherapeutics:** Drugs that target rapidly dividing cells, as CDC123 is essential for the proliferation of cancer cells.
- **Cyclical hormone therapies:** These could influence the cell cycle and could be warranted to further explore, however specific interactions with CDC123 need further investigation.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CDC123 is associated with several key biological pathways and processes, including:

- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Essential for progression from G1 to S phase and thus is directly involved in DNA synthesis and replication.
- **Translation Initiation:** Plays a role in the eukaryotic translation initiation pathway, which is crucial for protein synthesis.
- **Signal Transduction:** Interactions with signaling pathways that regulate cell growth could indirectly involve CDC123, since cell growth and division are tightly linked.

### Conclusion
The CDC123 gene serves a vital function in cell cycle regulation and translational initiation, with potential implications in cancer biology and age-related conditions. Although specific associations with drugs remain unclear, its involvement in cell proliferation necessitates further study regarding therapeutic targets. Overall, CDC123 represents an important focus in understanding cellular processes, particularly in the context of cancer and aging.