### POLR2K Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** POLR2K  
**Location:** Chromosome 17 (17q23.1)  
**Protein Code:** 98 amino acids  

The POLR2K gene encodes one of the smallest subunits of RNA Polymerase II (RNA Pol II), which is critical for the synthesis of mRNA in eukaryotic cells. This protein subunit is also a shared component of RNA polymerases I and III, implicating it in various transcriptional processes. Specifically, RNA Pol I is responsible for synthesizing ribosomal RNA (rRNA), while RNA Pol III synthesizes transfer RNA (tRNA) and small non-coding RNAs.

### 1. Associated Genes
POLR2K may interact with or be functionally related to several other genes involved in transcription regulation or RNA processing. While specific associations are not explicitly provided in the summaries, one can consider related genes involved in the RNA polymerase complex and transcriptional machinery, including:

- **POLR2A:** Encodes the largest subunit of RNA Polymerase II.
- **POLR1A:** Encodes a component of RNA Polymerase I.
- **POLR3A:** Encodes a component of RNA Polymerase III.
- **TBP:** TATA-box binding protein, key in transcription initiation.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While direct studies linking POLR2K specifically to aging or age-related diseases may be limited, the functionality of RNA polymerase subunits in general can have implications in:
- **Cellular Senescence:** Dysregulation of transcription can influence cellular aging processes.
- **Cancer:** Alterations in RNA polymerase activity may play roles in oncogenesis, as changes in transcription dynamics are often observed in cancerous tissues.
- **Neurodegenerative diseases:** Impairments in transcription mechanisms have been associated with neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting a potential indirect connection.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Drug interactions with POLR2K specifically are not well-documented, but certain classes of drugs can affect RNA polymerases in general, including:
- **Antibiotics (e.g., α-amanitin):** This is a well-known inhibitor of RNA polymerase II and can affect the transcription process mediated by POLR2K.
- **Chemotherapeutic agents:** Certain drugs that target transcriptional mechanisms in cancer therapy may indirectly affect the function of RNA Polymerase II.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
POLR2K is involved in several crucial biological processes, including:
- **Transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter:** Essential for mRNA synthesis.
- **Transcription-coupled repair:** Engaged in DNA repair mechanisms alongside transcription.
- **Ribosome biogenesis:** Links to processing rRNA, as it is a component of the RNA polymerase involved in rRNA synthesis.
- **Gene expression regulation:** Participates in the transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
- **Non-coding RNA processing:** Including small RNAs and other non-coding RNA transcripts.
  
### Conclusion
In summary, POLR2K is a pivotal gene in the realm of transcription, forming a crucial part of the RNA polymerase complex which impacts various biological processes, some of which may have relevance to aging and disease. The study of this gene can yield insights into broader transcriptional regulation implications, and understanding or targeting its interactions may serve therapeutic potential in age-related and oncological contexts.