### BTRC Gene Overview

The **BTRC** (Beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) gene encodes a member of the F-box protein family, which plays a pivotal role in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, specifically via the SCF (SKP1-Cullin-F-box) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. This complex is crucial for the phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination of various target proteins, dictating their proteolytic degradation.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the summaries provided mention several specific targets and related protein interactions, BTRC is also associated with:
- **CTNNB1**: In addition to Wnt signaling, this protein is involved in cell-cell adhesion and the regulation of gene transcription.
- **NFE2L1**: A transcription factor that plays a critical role in cellular antioxidant response.
- **KLF4**: A transcription factor that regulates pluripotency, differentiation, and the response to stress.
- **REST**: A transcriptional repressor involved in the silencing of neuronal genes in non-neuronal tissues.
- **GLI3**: A transcription factor involved in the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
- **CDC25A**: A phosphatase involved in cell cycle regulation.
- **ATF4**: A cAMP response element-binding protein that has roles in stress response.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

BTRC has been implicated in several age-related pathways:
- **Cellular Aging**: By regulating the degradation of key proteins involved in cell cycle progression and response to stress, BTRC may influence cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging.
- **Inflammation**: Dysregulation of NF-kappa-B signaling, which BTRC is known to promote through the degradation of IκB proteins, can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation commonly associated with aging (inflammaging).
- **Cancer**: Given BTRC's role in regulating pluripotency and its connection to cell cycle regulation, it may have implications in age-related increase in cancer risk and development.

### 3. Drug Interactions

While there are no specific drugs directly targeting BTRC mentioned, there are drug classes that may indirectly interact with its function:
- **HDAC inhibitors**: These increase the acetylation of histones and non-histone proteins, potentially affecting BTRC’s activity or the stability of the proteins it regulates, especially in cancer treatments.
- **Proteasome inhibitors**: These are used in multiple myeloma and other cancers and would affect the balance of ubiquitinated proteins, potentially leading to downstream effects on the functions regulated by BTRC.
- **NF-kappaB inhibitors**: Given BTRC's role in the activation and regulation of NF-kappaB signaling, drugs that inhibit NF-kappaB may exert effects related to BTRC activity.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

BTRC is involved in several vital biological processes and signaling pathways:
- **Wnt signaling pathway**: By mediating the degradation of CTNNB1 and other components, BTRC plays a nexus role in cellular signaling that governs development and cell fate decisions.
- **NF-kappa B signaling pathway**: BTRC plays a regulatory role in controlling the degradation of inhibitors, which allows NF-kappa B to enter the nucleus and activate transcription of target genes related to immune responses and inflammation.
- **Cell cycle regulation**: Through its interactions with proteins like CDC25A and phosphorylation of key components, BTRC influences cell cycle progression and mitosis.
- **Regulation of Gene Expression**: BTRC is involved in the ubiquitination and degradation of transcription factors such as REST and KLF4, influencing gene expression programs crucial for development and cellular responses.

Overall, BTRC is a critical regulator of many biological processes through its role in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, with significant implications in cancer biology, cellular aging, and immune response. Further research may elucidate additional associations and therapeutic targets involving BTRC.