### NADK2-AS1 Gene Overview
**Gene Symbol:** NADK2-AS1  
**NCBI Gene ID:** Not specified in your query, but NADK2-AS1 is an antisense RNA associated with the NADK2 gene, encoding NAD kinase 2, an enzyme involved in NADP synthesis.

### 1. Associated Genes
NADK2-AS1 is primarily associated with its sense counterpart, NADK2 (NAD kinase 2), which plays a role in the conversion of NAD to NADP, critical for numerous metabolic processes. While specific interactions with other genes are not widely characterized for NADK2-AS1, it may indirectly influence other genes involved in metabolic and biosynthetic pathways due to its regulation of NADP levels.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While direct studies specifically linking NADK2-AS1 to aging or age-related diseases may be limited, the NADP/NADPH balance is significant in many cellular processes, including:
- **Oxidative Stress:** NADPH provides reducing power in antioxidant defense mechanisms.
- **Cellular Senescence and Aging:** NAD(P)H levels can influence cellular metabolism and are implicated in aging processes and longevity.
- **Metabolic Disorders:** Dysregulation in NADP production could relate to diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and other age-related conditions.

Research suggests that NAD(P)H metabolism has a crucial role in maintaining cellular health, promoting the hypothesis that NADK2-AS1 may have implications in the aging process via its involvement in NADP synthesis.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs explicitly listed as directly interacting with NADK2-AS1. However, since NAD metabolism is crucial and can be influenced by various drugs:
- **Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursors:** Such as NAD+, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside).
- **Antioxidants:** Compounds that modulate oxidative stress could indirectly influence NADK2-related pathways.

Further research is needed to establish direct interactions and drug candidacy linked to NADK2-AS1.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
**Involved Pathways:**
- **NAD biosynthesis:** It plays a crucial role in the pathway of NAD+ and NADP+ biosynthesis, which are essential cofactors in redox reactions.
- **Cell metabolism:** Involvement in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid metabolism.

**Biological Processes:**
- **NADP biosynthetic process:** The gene is involved in the production of NADP, vital for metabolic functions.
- **Oxidative stress response:** It influences the creation of NADPH, thus modulating antioxidant defenses.
- **Cell proliferation and survival:** Due to its role in metabolic control and energy production, impacting overall cell health.

### Conclusion
NADK2-AS1 is an important regulatory element primarily associated with NADK2 and is essential for NADP synthesis. Its potential implications in aging, metabolic disorders, and various cellular processes underline the need for further investigation to fully elucidate its functional roles and therapeutic potentials. 