### REC114 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: REC114  
**Function**: The REC114 gene encodes a protein that plays a crucial role in meiotic recombination, specifically in the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in unsynapsed regions of homologous chromosomes. This is essential for proper chromosomal synapsis and genetic diversity.

---

### Associated Genes
In addition to IHO1 and MEI4 mentioned in the summaries, REC114 has been linked with various genes involved in the meiotic process, including:

- **DMC1**: A gene that encodes a recombinase protein essential for homologous recombination during meiosis.
- **RAD51**: A gene encoding a protein that also participates in homologous recombination and the repair of DNA breaks.
- **HOP1**: Part of the axial structure of synaptonemal complexes and is crucial for meiotic DSB formation.
- **MRE11**: A component of the MRN complex, which is involved in DNA damage detection and repair.

---

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Currently, there is limited direct evidence of REC114's involvement with aging or specific age-related diseases. However, the processes of DNA repair and meiotic recombination that REC114 is involved in are critical for maintaining genomic stability. As organisms age, the efficiency of these DNA repair pathways can decline, potentially leading to genomic instability, which is a hallmark of various age-related diseases, including cancer.

---

### Drug Interactions
As of the latest information, there are no specific drugs or drug classes widely recognized to interact directly with REC114. However, due to its role in meiosis and DNA repair, it could be indirectly influenced by treatments that target pathways involved in double-strand break repair, such as:

- **PARP inhibitors**: These drugs target the pathways of DNA repair mechanisms which could theoretically intersect with functions influenced by REC114, although no direct interaction has been documented.
- **Chemotherapeutic agents**: Drugs that cause DNA damage (e.g., Cisplatin) might relate to the pathways involving REC114 as these affect the overall landscape of DNA repair.

---

### Pathways and Biological Processes
REC114 is involved in several significant biological processes, including but not limited to:

- **Meiosis**: Specifically, it plays a crucial role in the formation of DSBs during the early stages of meiosis.
- **Homologous recombination**: Assists in the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
- **DNA double-strand break repair**: Functions within cellular pathways designed to correct or utilize DSBs.
- **Gamete formation**: Contributes to the overall mechanism of producing gametes (sperm and egg cells).

Its involvement in these processes underscores its importance in fertility, genetic diversity through recombination, and cancer biology due to its role in maintaining genomic stability.

--- 

### Summary
The REC114 gene encodes a critical protein for meiotic recombination and DSB formation, is conserved across eukaryotes, and interacts with several other genes central to DNA repair and meiotic processes. While there seems to be no direct link to aging, its essential functions in DNA repair illuminate potential areas of research into how failures in these processes may contribute to age-related diseases. Current drug interactions are indirect and not extensively documented, highlighting an area for potential future research.