### NMRK1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** NMRK1 (Nicotinamide Riboside Kinase 1)  
**Function:** NMRK1 is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the NAD+ biosynthesis pathway by catalyzing the phosphorylation of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinic acid riboside (NaR) to produce nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN). It is also involved in the phosphorylation of antitumor agents like tiazofurin and 3-deazaguanosine.

### 1. Associated Genes
NMRK1's function is intricately linked to other genes involved in NAD+ metabolism, including:
- **NAMPT** (Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase): Involved in the conversion of nicotinamide to nicotinamide mononucleotide.
- **SIRTUINS** (SIRT1, SIRT3, etc.): A family of proteins that depend on NAD+ for their deacetylase activity and are known to be involved in various cellular processes, including aging.
- **PARPs** (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases): Enzymes that require NAD+ for their activity, often involved in DNA repair and response to stress.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
NMRK1 is associated with the NAD+ biosynthetic pathway, which has implications in aging and age-related diseases. Studies have suggested that NAD+ levels decline with age, affecting cellular homeostasis, metabolic processes, and stress response. Low NAD+ levels are linked to various age-related conditions, including:
- Metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes)
- Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease)
- Cardiovascular diseases

Enhancing NAD+ biosynthesis, potentially through the action of NMRK1, is being studied for its possible therapeutic effects on prolonging lifespan and delaying age-related decline. 

### 3. Drug Interactions
NMRK1 is known to interact with several drugs, particularly:
- **Tiazofurin:** An antitumor agent that requires phosphorylation by NMRK1 for activation.
- **3-Deazaguanosine:** Another antitumor compound that is activated by this enzyme.

Due to its enzymatic activity, NMRK1 may also interact with other compounds aimed at modulating NAD+ levels, such as nicotinamide riboside itself, which is being investigated for its potential benefits on metabolism and aging.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
NMRK1 is involved in several biological processes and metabolic pathways, including:
- **NAD+ Biosynthetic Pathway:** Critical for energy metabolism and cellular signaling.
- **Cellular Response to DNA Damage:** Through its role in repairing damaged DNA by providing NAD+ substrates needed for PARPs.
- **Regulation of Sirtuin Activity:** Influencing longevity and stress response mechanisms through NAD+-dependent deacetylation.

### Conclusion
NMRK1 is an important gene within the context of NAD+ metabolism, with significant implications for aging and age-related diseases. It interacts with specific therapeutic agents and is essential in various cellular and metabolic pathways. Research into NMRK1 continues to illuminate its role in health and disease, particularly concerning strategies aimed at enhancing NAD+ levels for potential rejuvenation and preventive therapies against age-associated disorders.