### ASPDH Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** ASPDH  
**Gene Function:** The ASPDH gene encodes an enzyme belonging to the L-aspartate dehydrogenase family. It is believed to facilitate several key activities, including NADP binding, aspartate dehydrogenase activity utilizing NAD, and aspartate dehydrogenase activity utilizing NADP. ASPDH is predicted to play a role in the biosynthesis of NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

### 1. Gene Associations

While specific associations of ASPDH with other genes might not be extensively detailed in the provided summaries, ASPDH may interact or be co-expressed with the following related genes which are typically involved in amino acid metabolism and NAD biosynthesis:
- **NADSYN1**: Involved in NAD biosynthesis.
- **NADK**: NAD kinase involved in the phosphorylation of NAD to NADP.
- **NADH**: Enzymes involved in the oxidative metabolism may also relate to ASPDH due to its role in nucleotide metabolism.
These associations are relevant to the metabolic pathways that coordinate energy production and amino acid metabolism.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases

Research investigating the role of NAD and its metabolism has shed light on the relationship between ASPDH and aging. NAD levels are known to decline with age, contributing to age-related pathologies such as neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and possibly even cancer. Since ASPDH is implicated in NAD biosynthesis, disruptions in its function or expression may influence aging processes and related diseases. Additionally, alterations in aspartate metabolism, mediated by ASPDH, could impact various physiological processes, including mitochondrial function and cellular stress responses associated with aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the latest data, there are no specific drugs directly targeting ASPDH mentioned in major pharmacological databases. However, since it is involved in NAD metabolism, drugs that modulate NAD levels or its pathway, like:
- **Nicotinamide**: A precursor to NAD which may indirectly affect ASPDH function.
- **NAD+ precursors**: Such as nicotinic acid (niacin) or nicotinamide riboside, which may have a broader impact on NAD biosynthesis and metabolism.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

ASPDH is primarily involved in the following biological processes and pathways:
- **NAD biosynthesis**: Plays a critical role in generating NAD, which is essential for various cellular processes, including energy metabolism, signal transduction, and DNA repair.
- **Amino Acid Metabolism**: Specifically, it is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, particularly aspartate.
- **Oxidative Stress Responses**: Links to pathways involved in handling oxidative stress due to the crucial role of NAD in redox reactions.
Additionally, it may be associated with metabolic pathway networks relevant in diseases where NAD is dysregulated.

### Conclusion

The ASPDH gene encodes an enzyme that plays an integral role in NAD biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. Its potential associations with aging, possible interactions with pathogenic processes, and involvement in energy metabolism pathways highlight its importance in both fundamental biology and potential clinical contexts. Further studies may provide additional insights into its roles in health and disease.