### USP36 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** USP36  
**Species:** Human  
**Location:** Chromosome 10

USP36 encodes a deubiquitinating enzyme that is part of the ubiquitin-specific protease family. This gene plays essential roles in the regulation of various cellular processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, response to DNA damage, and nucleolar integrity.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries mentioned specific interaction partners like MYC, NPM1, FBL, DHX33, and FBXW7, other genes associated with USP36 include:
- **NEDD4L (Neural Precursor Cell Expressed Developmentally Downregulated 4-like)**: involved in regulating various substrates affected by USP36.
- **SOD2 (Superoxide Dismutase 2)**: known for its role in intracellular oxidative stress and metabolism.
- **CDKN1A (Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1A)**: often associated with the regulation of the cell cycle and cellular aging.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Disease Associations
The USP36 gene may be linked to aging and age-related diseases primarily through its interaction with the MYC oncoprotein and its role in regulating ribosomal RNA processing:
- **Cancer:** Elevated expression of USP36 has been observed in breast and lung cancers, which may coincide with age-related increases in cancer incidence.
- **Cellular Senescence:** By regulating the stability of proteins like CDKN1A, which has roles in cell cycle arrest, USP36 may also influence cellular senescence pathways.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Regulators of proteostasis like USP36 play a role in neurodegeneration; dysregulation can lead to protein aggregation and pathogenesis of diseases such as Alzheimer's.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, specific drugs targeting USP36 or interacting directly with it have not been well-characterized in clinical pharmacology. However, general classes that might indirectly affect its activity include:
- **Proteasome Inhibitors:** As USP36 prevents degradation of certain molecules, proteasome inhibitors may lead to altered effects on proteins managed by USP36.
- **Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors:** These may influence the epigenetic landscape where USP36 operates, particularly in relation to histone modifications like H2B deubiquitination.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
USP36 is involved in several critical biological processes:
- **Deubiquitination:** Essential for maintaining protein stability and function, particularly under stress conditions.
- **Nucleolar Structure and Function Regulation:** The protein is involved in maintaining the correct structure and functionality of the nucleolus, crucial for ribosomal RNA processing.
- **Ribosomal RNA Processing:** Plays a role in maturation and processing of rRNA, impacting ribosome biogenesis.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** As a repressor via deubiquitination of key regulatory histones, USP36 plays a role in regulating genes involved in the cell cycle.
- **Autophagy Regulation:** Controls selective autophagy pathways, influencing cellular homeostasis and stress responses.
- **DNA Damage Response:** Potential roles in responding to cellular stress and maintaining genomic integrity.

### Conclusion
The USP36 gene is a key player in multiple cellular processes and has significant implications in cancer biology and aging. It interacts with various proteins and pathways, influencing their stability and function, which in turn can affect cellular dynamics, stress responses, and contribute to the pathology of age-related diseases. Further research into the specific roles of USP36 could illuminate targeted therapeutic strategies in oncology and age-associated disorders.