### AMACR Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** AMACR  
**Chromosomal Location:** Human chromosome 5q21.2  

The **AMACR (Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase)** gene encodes an enzyme critical for the metabolism of branched-chain fatty acids, specifically involved in the degradation of alpha-methyl-branched-chain fatty acyl-CoAs. The AMACR protein facilitates the interconversion of the (R)- and (S)-stereoisomers, which is essential for the subsequent beta-oxidation of these substrates, primarily occurring in peroxisomes and to some extent in mitochondria.

### Associated Genes

In addition to C1QTNF3, which is mentioned as having read-through transcription with AMACR, other genes that have been associated with AMACR through biochemical pathways or disease pathways include:

- **ABCD1**: Mutations in ABCD1 are related to X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, which can be impacted by impaired AMACR activity.
- **HSD3B2**: Involved in steroid metabolism, which can relate to bile acid synthesis pathways overlapping with AMACR function.
- **SULT2A1**: May intersect with metabolic pathways modulated by AMACR products in the broader context of drug metabolism and steroidogenesis.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Mutations or polymorphisms in the AMACR gene have been linked to late-onset neurological disorders, particularly:

1. **Adult-onset Sensorimotor Neuropathy**: A degenerative condition that presents symptoms related to both sensory and motor pathways, often observed in older populations.
2. **Pigmentary Retinopathy**: This retinal degeneration can be exacerbated by metabolic disturbances associated with AMACR dysfunction.
3. **Adrenomyeloneuropathy**: A condition associated with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, which may present in adult populations and can progress with age.

Additionally, peroxisomal dysfunction, closely tied to AMACR functioning, has been suggested as a contributing factor to aging-related cellular degeneration.

### Drug Interactions

AMACR interacts with certain drugs, particularly:

- **Ibuprofen**: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that serves as a substrate for AMACR, indicating a role in the metabolism of such drugs.
- **Arylpropionic Acids**: This drug class includes other NSAIDs and compounds similar to ibuprofen.

Given the role of AMACR in lipid metabolism and drug interactions, it might impact the pharmacokinetics of various therapeutic agents, especially those that resemble its natural substrates.

### Pathways and Biological Processes

AMACR is involved in various metabolic pathways, which include:

1. **Bile Acid Biosynthesis**: AMACR plays a role in the conversion of intermediates used in the synthesis of bile acids.
2. **Fatty Acid Metabolism**: Directly involved in the beta-oxidation pathway by processing branched-chain fatty acids.
3. **Metabolic Syndrome Pathways**: Potentially implicated in pathways related to obesity and metabolic disorders due to its role in fatty acid metabolism.
4. **Neurodegeneration**: Shows involvement in certain neurodegenerative pathways, possibly linked to lipid metabolism dysregulation in neurological diseases.

### Summary

The AMACR gene plays a multifaceted role in lipid metabolism and is closely linked with various neurological conditions, drugs, and metabolic pathways. Understanding the full implications of AMACR function not only aids in insights into metabolic diseases but also in the development of therapeutic strategies for age-related neurological disorders.