### CDCA8 Gene Overview

The **CDCA8** gene (also known as **Borealin**) encodes a fundamental component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), which plays a pivotal role in regulating mitosis and cell division. Here's a detailed breakdown of the requested information:

#### 1. Associated Genes
CDCA8 is primarily associated with several other proteins involved in the function of the CPC and mitosis:
- **AURKB** (Aurora kinase B): A key kinase in the CPC, responsible for phosphorylating substrates to regulate mitosis.
- **INCENP** (Inner centromere protein): A central component that interacts with Aurora kinase B and the chromosomal passenger complex.
- **NEDD1**: Involved in gamma-tubulin ring complex recruitment, which is crucial for spindle formation.
- **TTK** (also known as **MPS1**): A dual-specificity kinase involved in the spindle assembly checkpoint pathway.
- **CENPF** (Centromere protein F): Important for chromosome alignment and stabilization during cell division.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The CDCA8 gene has been implicated in processes related to cell division, and dysregulation of such processes can contribute to:
- **Cancer**: Abnormal expression of CDCA8 has been associated with various types of cancer, suggesting its role in oncogenesis due to improper mitotic functions.
- **Age-Related Disorders**: As cells age, the likelihood of mitotic errors increases, which can lead to aneuploidy and other chromosomal abnormalities. Overexpression of CDCA8 has been linked to tumors and may correlate with aging-related decline in cellular control mechanisms.

#### 3. Known Drug Interactions
While direct drugs specifically targeting CDCA8 are not widely described, several drug classes affecting mitosis may indirectly interact and influence the protein's functions:
- **Aurora Kinase Inhibitors**: Such as **AZD1152** and **VX-680**, which target Aurora kinases, including AURKB, can potentially affect the activity of the CPC involving CDCA8.
- **Taxanes** (e.g., Paclitaxel): These drugs stabilize microtubules and disrupt mitosis, which may implicate changes in the signaling pathways associated with CDCA8.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CDCA8 is involved in multiple pathways and biological processes:
- **Mitosis Mitotic Phase**: Major contributor to the regulation of chromosomal movement during cell division, ensuring proper segregation of chromosomes.
- **Chromosomal Passenger Complex Pathway**: Functions within the CPC that ensures centromere structure integrity and mediates error-correction during chromosome attachment to spindle microtubules.
- **Microtubule Organization and Spindle Assembly**: Facilitates microtubule stabilization and contributes to the proper formation of spindle apparatus during cell division.
- **Spindle Assembly Checkpoint**: Plays a role in monitoring spindle attachment, thereby maintaining chromosomal stability.

### Conclusion
The **CDCA8** gene is integral to cell division, with significant implications in cancer biology and possibly aging-related cellular processes. Its connections with other cell cycle genes and pathways underline its functional importance in maintaining genomic stability. Further research continues to explore its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.