### ANGPT4 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: ANGPT4  
**Location**: Located on chromosome 11 in humans.  

**Function**: The ANGPT4 gene encodes a member of the angiopoietin family of proteins, which are crucial for vascular development and angiogenesis. Its primary role involves binding to the TEK/TIE2 receptor on endothelial cells, where it modulates signaling cascades, promoting endothelial cell survival, migration, and angiogenesis.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the NCBI and UniProt summaries focus on ANGPT4's interaction with TEK/TIE2 (TEK receptor tyrosine kinase), it is known to indirectly affect or interact with other genes involved in angiogenesis and vascular biology. These may include but are not limited to:

- **ANGPT1**: Known for its role in promoting endothelial cell survival and vascular stability. ANGPT4 has been shown to modulate ANGPT1 signaling.
- **VEGFA (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A)**: Involved in angiogenesis and maintains endothelial cell function.
- **PLAU (Plasminogen Activator, Urokinase)**: Plays a role in extracellular matrix remodeling, which is vital in angiogenesis.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

The role of ANGPT4 in angiogenesis suggests it may have implications in age-related diseases. Though direct associations with aging are still under exploration, some known details include:

- **Aging and Angiogenesis**: With aging, the angiogenic response can decline, contributing to various cardiovascular diseases, and impaired tissue repair. ANGPT4's function in endothelial cell survival may play a role in mitigating some effects of aging on vascular health.
- **Cancer**: ANGPT4 may contribute to tumor angiogenesis, particularly in aging populations where cancer risk increases.

### 3. Drug Interactions/Drug Classes

Currently, specific drugs targeting ANGPT4 directly may not be well characterized. However, therapies involving:

- **Angiogenesis Inhibitors**: Certain cancer therapeutics aim to inhibit angiogenesis, which may indirectly affect ANGPT4 activity.
- **VEGF Inhibitors**: Drugs targeting VEGF signaling may intersect with the pathways involving ANGPT4, given their related roles in angiogenesis.
  
Given that ANGPT4 acts primarily in the context of angiogenic processes, its modulation could be relevant in combination therapies for conditions like cancer or ischemic diseases, but specific drug interactions are less established.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

ANGPT4 is involved in several key biological processes and signaling pathways, including:

- **Angiogenesis**: The primary function of ANGPT4, promoting new blood vessel formation from existing vessels.
- **Endothelial Cell Signaling**: Through interaction with TEK/TIE2, ANGPT4 modulates various intracellular signaling pathways crucial for maintaining endothelial function.
- **Cell Migration and Survival**: Influencing endothelial cell dynamics plays a significant role in vascular remodeling, particularly during wound healing and revascularization processes.
- **Inflammatory Response**: There is emerging evidence that ANGPT4 may be involved in modulating inflammation, which could implicate it in various inflammatory diseases.

### Conclusion

The ANGPT4 gene encapsulates a vital role in vascular biology, particularly in angiogenesis. Its interactions with TEK/TIE2 and modulation of endothelial functions make it an important factor in understanding both physiological and pathological processes related to blood vessel formation, including implications in aging and potential therapeutic targets in disease contexts. Further research may illuminate more precise connections to age-related conditions and specific therapeutic interventions.