### REST Gene Overview

**Gene Name**: RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST)

**Gene Symbol**: REST

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### 1. Associated Genes

While the summaries mention several interactions with corepressors like **SIN3A** and **RCOR1**, REST is also associated with various other genes, including:

- **SRRM4**: Which is repressed by REST to prevent neural-specific splicing events.
- **GRIN2A** and **GRIN2B**: NMDA receptor subunit genes involved in synaptic plasticity.
- **SYT1**: Synaptotagmin 1, involved in neurotransmitter release, with regulation linked to REST.
- **miR-132**: An important microRNA involved in neuronal processes which REST represses post-ischemia.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases

REST has several implications in aging and age-related diseases:

- **Role in Stress Resistance**: REST may regulate the expression of genes involved in cell survival and stress resistance mechanisms during aging, thereby influencing neuronal survival in aging populations.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: REST's dysregulation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, where it has been implicated in modulating genes that promote neuronal survival versus death.
- **Hippocampal Function**: After ischemic events in aging brains, REST modulates genes that can lead to neuronal cell death, suggesting a potential role in age-related cognitive decline.

### 3. Drug Interactions

While specific drugs directly targeting REST are not extensively characterized, certain drug classes and compounds may interact indirectly through REST's regulatory networks, including:

- **Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi)**: Since REST recruits histone deacetylases (like SIN3A and RCOR1) for gene repression, compounds such as Vorinostat and Romidepsin could potentially modulate REST function or its downstream effects.
- **Anticancer Agents**: Given REST's dual role in oncogenesis, some anticancer drugs might influence REST activity, especially in the context of breast cancer where REST negatively regulates **SRRM3**.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

REST is involved in several key pathways and biological processes, such as:

- **Neurogenesis**: REST acts as a negative regulator, helping maintain neural progenitor cell states until proper differentiation signals occur.
- **Synaptic Plasticity**: Regulates NMDA receptor subunit ratios during synaptic development, influencing neurotransmission.
- **Response to Hypoxia**: REST is implicated in repressing gene expression under hypoxic conditions, which is crucial for cellular adaptation to low oxygen levels.
- **Stress Response**: It plays a role in response mechanisms to cellular stress, including oxidative stress and ischemic events, potentially impacting aging and neurodegeneration.
- **Cell Survival Regulation**: REST activity contributes to neuronal survival signaling pathways, influencing apoptosis and necrosis in the context of ischemic brain injury.

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### Summary

The REST gene serves as a critical transcriptional repressor with diverse roles in neurobiology and beyond, extending to aging and disease contexts. Its dual role as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, along with its interactions in pathways related to neurogenesis, synaptic modification, and stress responses, highlight its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis across various tissues.