### CLTA Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: CLTA  
**Location**: Human chromosome 2q33.3

The **CLTA** gene encodes for clathrin light chain A, a component essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Clathrin plays a pivotal role in forming the coated pits and vesicles that mediate the internalization of various macromolecules in cells. The protein formed from this gene contributes fundamentally to cellular transport mechanisms.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the summary highlights the basic functionalities of the CLTA gene, it is also associated with various other genes involved in cellular transport and endocytic pathways. These include:

- **CLTB**: Clathrin light chain B, which operates synergistically with CLTA.
- **AP2A1**: Part of the adaptor protein complex 2 involved in endocytosis.
- **FCHO1**: Convex protein involved in endocytosis.
- **DYN1**: Dynamin 1, a GTPase that plays a significant role in vesicle scission during endocytosis.
- **TACC3**: As mentioned, it forms a complex with CLTA that stabilizes microtubule structures during cell division.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Disease Associations

Research suggests that alterations in clathrin-mediated endocytosis may play a role in age-related diseases, such as:

- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Impaired endocytosis and trafficking of receptors can contribute to the pathology of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease due to the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides.
- **Cancer**: Changes in clathrin function can affect cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through dysregulation of growth factor receptors and nutrient uptake.
- **Muscle degenerative diseases**: Alterations in clathrin-mediated endocytosis have been proposed to play a role in age-related loss of muscle mass and function.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the latest available information, there are no specific drugs directly targeting the CLTA gene or the clathrin protein. However, certain drug classes that may influence clathrin-mediated endocytosis include:

- **Anesthetics**: Research indicates that anesthetics may directly or indirectly affect clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
- **Statins**: These cholesterol-lowering drugs have been shown to influence membrane dynamics and may affect pathways involving clathrin.
- **Chemotherapeutics**: Certain agents used in cancer treatment could potentially be linked to alterations in endocytic pathways.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

The CLTA gene is involved in several critical biological processes and signaling pathways:

- **Clathrin-mediated endocytosis**: Forming coated pits and vesicles for internalizing various molecules including hormones, nutrients, and neurotransmitters.
- **Cytokinesis**: Clathrin may play a role in the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division.
- **Receptor-mediated endocytosis**: Involvement in internalizing receptors for various ligands, contributing to signal transduction pathways.
- **Microtubule organization during mitosis**: As a component of the TACC3/ch-TOG/clathrin complex, CLTA is implicated in stabilizing microtubule interaction during cell division.

In summary, the CLTA gene emerges as a key player in cellular trafficking and processes essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, with potential implications for aging and various diseases. Further research may elucidate more specific roles, regulatory mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions.