The EXD2 gene encodes a multifunctional enzyme primarily acting as an exonuclease, demonstrating significant roles in DNA repair, nucleic acid metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Below is a detailed expansion based on the requested information:

### Gene Associations
Though specific gene interactions or associations not mentioned in the summaries may not be explicitly detailed in all databases, EXD2 is frequently studied in conjunction with several other important genes, particularly due to its role in DNA repair and mitochondrial function. Gene associations may include:

1. **MRN Complex (MRE11, RAD50, NBS1)** - This complex is central to DNA damage response, particularly homologous recombination. EXD2 interacts functionally with this complex during DNA break repair processes.
2. **PARP1 (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1)** - Involved in DNA repair, particularly single-strand break repair. There may be regulatory or functional connections between EXD2 and PARP1 during DNA damage responses.
3. **ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated)** - ATM is crucial for responding to DNA double-strand breaks, and while a direct interaction with EXD2 may not be prominent, its roles in the same pathways means they could be studied together.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific aging-related studies on EXD2 are limited, potential implications could arise from its roles in:

1. **Mitochondrial Function** - Mitochondria play a crucial role in aging, and dysregulation of mitochondrial translation and energy production has been linked to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
2. **DNA Repair Pathways** - Impaired DNA repair mechanisms are associated with several age-related conditions, including cancer and neurodegeneration. EXD2’s role in double-strand break repair, and its recruitment to sites of DNA damage, suggests involvement in maintaining genomic stability which is critical in aging.
3. **Cellular Senescence** - In some contexts, EXD2 may influence pathways related to cellular senescence through its roles in DNA damage repair and response.

### Drug Interactions
The pharmacological interactions concerning EXD2 might not be extensively documented, as specific drugs directly targeting EXD2 are less common. However, several classes of drugs could potentially affect the pathways that involve EXD2:

1. **DNA Repair Inhibitors** - Agents targeting the DNA damage response, such as PARP inhibitors (used in cancer treatment), could indirectly affect EXD2 function in the broader context of DNA repair.
2. **Mitochondrial-targeted therapies** - Drugs designed to enhance mitochondrial function could intersect with EXD2’s role in mitochondrial translation and efficiency.
3. **Antioxidants** - Compounds aimed at reducing oxidative stress may impact pathways related to EXD2, considering oxidative damage is a contributor to DNA damage.

### Pathways and Biological Processes Involved
EXD2 is involved in several critical biological pathways and processes, including:

1. **DNA Damage Repair** - Particularly homologous recombination and base excision repair.
2. **Nucleotide Excision Repair** - Its endonuclease activity contributes to recognition and processing of damaged nucleic acids.
3. **Nuclear and Mitochondrial RNA Metabolism** - Functions as an exoribonuclease for regulating RNA stability and decay.
4. **Cell Cycle Regulation** - Through its roles in DNA repair, EXD2 can indirectly influence checkpoints and cell cycle progression.
5. **Response to Telomere Shortening** - Involvement in maintenance of genome integrity can affect telomere functionality and length.

As research evolves and more studies focus on EXD2, additional roles and associations are likely to be elucidated, expanding our understanding of this gene’s impact on health and disease.