### KBTBD2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** KBTBD2  
**Function:** KBTBD2 is implicated in regulating the insulin signaling pathway. It acts as a substrate-specific adapter for a BTB-CUL3-RBX1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, promoting 'Lys-48'-linked polyubiquitination and degradation of PIK3R1, thus modulating insulin sensitivity in adipocytes.

#### 1. Associated Genes
While the NCBI and UniProt summaries primarily highlight PIK3R1 as a critical target gene, KBTBD2 may also have associations with the following related genes, although specific genes that are associated beyond PIK3R1 are not explicitly specified:
- **CUL3** (cullin 3): A component of the BTB-CUL3-RBX1 E3 ligase complex that interacts with KBTBD2.
- **RBX1** (ring box 1): Another constituent of the E3 ligase complex.
- Other genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway may also be functionally linked, e.g., **AKT** and **INSR**.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
- **Insulin Sensitivity:** Aging is often associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity and an increase in type 2 diabetes incidence. Given KBTBD2's role in regulating insulin sensitivity, mutations or dysregulation of this gene may correlate with age-related metabolic disorders.
- **Obesity:** Since adipocyte insulin sensitivity is critical in energy metabolism, the functioning of KBTBD2 may contribute to obesity’s severity with age.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
Current literature does not specify any particular drug or drug classes that directly interact with KBTBD2. However, drugs affecting the insulin signaling pathway (such as Metformin, Thiazolidinediones, and insulin sensitizers) may indirectly affect the pathways that KBTBD2 regulates. Given its role in ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, the potential for interactions with compounds that modulate proteostasis should also be explored.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
KBTBD2 is involved in several critical biological pathways:
- **Insulin signaling pathway:** Essential for glucose uptake and metabolism in response to insulin. KBTBD2 modulates PIK3R1 activity, which is a key component of this pathway.
- **Phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway:** As a regulator of PIK3R1, it influences downstream events in phosphatidylinositol phosphate signaling.
- **Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis:** By facilitating the ubiquitination of PIK3R1, KBTBD2 plays a role in regulating protein levels and degradation processes.

**Biological Processes:**
- Glucose metabolic process
- Response to insulin
- Regulation of protein fate through ubiquitination

### Summary
KBTBD2 is a crucial gene involved in the regulation of the insulin signaling pathway with implications in metabolic processes, potentially linking it to conditions associated with aging and metabolic disorders. Understanding its interactions and contributions to various biological processes can provide valuable insights into therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases. Further research is necessary to elucidate its full range of interactions and effects in health and disease.