### RBM8A Gene Overview:

**Gene Symbol:** RBM8A  
**Chromosomal Location:** Human chromosome 1p34.1  

The RBM8A gene encodes a critical RNA-binding protein, essential for pre-mRNA splicing, and is prominently located in the nucleus but also present in the cytoplasm. Its primary function is to associate with spliced mRNAs, marking these transcripts for downstream processes related to gene expression and mRNA metabolism.

### 1. Associated Genes:

While the summaries provided mention the RBM8B locus as a pseudogene, RBM8A may interact with various gene products involved in RNA metabolism and splicing. Notably:

- **BCL2L1 (Bcl-X):** This gene is involved in apoptosis regulation, and RBM8A modulates the alternative splicing of its isoforms, inhibiting proapoptotic forms.
- **EIF4A3:** A core component of the exon junction complex (EJC) that interacts with RBM8A in nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathways.
- **MAGOH:** Another component of the EJC that forms a heterodimer with RBM8A, crucial for stabilizing the EJC on mRNA.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases:

Research indicates a potential link between RBM8A and cellular aging and age-related diseases, specifically in how splicing and mRNA processing are regulated over time. Notable points include:

- **Thrombocytopenia-Absent Radius (TAR Syndrome):** This genetic disorder, associated with mutations in RBM8A, can manifest in a range of developmental issues, which may have connections to age-related health complications.
- **Cellular Senescence:** Changes in mRNA splicing have been implicated in cellular senescence; while specific studies directly connecting RBM8A to aging are limited, its role in splicing suggests it may influence age-related gene expression changes.

### 3. Drug Interactions:

There are currently **no specific drugs** directly targeting or interacting with RBM8A that are well-documented in the literature as of October 2023. Its functions in splicing and the EJC pathway could imply indirect connections with drugs affecting RNA metabolism or cancer therapeutics targeting splicing factors, but specific drug classes haven't been explicitly identified in relation to RBM8A alone.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes:

RBM8A is involved in various cellular processes, including:

- **Pre-mRNA Splicing:** A core component of the spliceosome essential for the splicing of pre-mRNA.
- **Exon Junction Complex (EJC) Assembly:** Forms part of the EJC, important for marking splice junctions and mediating downstream mRNA fate processes.
- **Nonsense-Mediated Decay (NMD):** A pathway that degrades mRNAs containing premature stop codons; RBM8A plays a role in this process through its interactions with EJC components.
- **Regulation of BCL2L1 Splicing:** Influences alternative splicing of apoptotic genes, thereby affecting cell survival and apoptosis.

### Conclusion:

RBM8A is a pivotal gene with a broad influence on mRNA processing and metabolism, essential for understanding RNA biology and implications in diseases. Further research may reveal more about its pathways, interactions, and roles in aging and therapeutic contexts.