### VASP Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** VASP  
**Gene Name:** Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein  
**Location:** Human Chromosome 19 (19q13.1)  
**Protein:** Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is part of the Ena-VASP protein family, which is essential for actin dynamics and cell motility.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the summaries provided do not list specific associated genes, VASP has functional interactions with several important genes/proteins, including:

- **Profilin (PFN1):** Involved in actin polymerization.
- **Cofilin (CFL1):** Regulates actin filament dynamics.
- **Talin (TLN1):** Links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton.
- **Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK):** Involved in signaling pathways related to cell adhesion.
- **Rho GTPases:** Such as RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, which are implicated in cytoskeletal rearrangements.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

- **Aging:** Alterations in VASP function or expression levels have been linked to age-related cellular processes such as diminished cell motility and impaired wound healing, which may contribute to the aging phenotype.
  
- **Age-Related Diseases:** VASP has been implicated in processes relevant to cardiovascular diseases, where endothelial function and platelet aggregation play significant roles. Its dysregulation could potentially contribute to aging-related vascular disorders and increase the risk of thrombotic events.

### 3. Drug Interactions

VASP is regulated by cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases (PKA and PKG), implying possible interactions with various drugs, particularly those that influence cAMP and cGMP signaling pathways. Known drug classes that may interact with VASP pathways include:

- **Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil):** These can increase levels of cyclic GMP, indirectly affecting VASP activity.
- **Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel):** These may influence platelet aggregation and activity, in which VASP plays a role.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

VASP is involved in several critical pathways and biological processes:

- **Actin Cytoskeleton Regulation:** VASP enhances actin polymerization and dynamics, particularly in neuronal cells and platelets.
  
- **Cell Migration and Adhesion:** Plays a crucial role in cell motility through regulating focal adhesion dynamics and influencing integrin signaling.

- **Signal Transduction Pathways:** Involvement in processes regulated by cyclic nucleotide signaling (cAMP and cGMP), including smooth muscle relaxation and endothelial function.
  
- **Infection Response:** VASP interacts with bacterial proteins, facilitating actin-based motility of pathogens like *Listeria monocytogenes* inside host cells.

This comprehensive summary captures the key aspects of the VASP gene and its biological significance. Understanding VASP's role in various cellular processes improves our insight into its implications in health, disease, and aging.