### PPP4R2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** PPP4R2  
**Chromosomal Location:** Chromosome 3 (3p26.1)

The PPP4R2 gene encodes a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 4 (PP4), a serine/threonine phosphatase complex that plays multiple roles in cellular processes including DNA damage response and microtubule organization.

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### 1. Associated Genes

While the summaries provided highlight crucial interactions with specific complexes such as the SMN complex and details on interaction with RPA2 and RAD51, here are additional genes that are known to be associated with PPP4R2:

- **PPP4C:** The catalytic subunit of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 4 complex.
- **PPP4R3A:** Another regulatory subunit of PPP4.
- **H2AX (H2AFX):** Histone variant involved in DNA damage response, specifically phosphorylated to form gamma-H2AX.
- **SMN1 (Survival of Motor Neuron 1):** Involved in spliceosomal snRNP maturation along with PPP4R2.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While there is limited direct research linking PPP4R2 to aging or specific age-related diseases, its role in DNA damage response is critical because DNA repair mechanisms are essential for maintaining genomic stability during aging. Dysregulation of phosphatases, including the PPP4 complex, has been implicated in:

- **Cancer:** For genomic stability and proper repair of DNA double-strand breaks, impaired function of PPP4R2 or its partners could contribute to cancer pathology.
- **Neurodegenerative diseases:** Given its role in spliceosomal snRNP processing, aberrations might affect neuronal health and contribute to conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which are often age-related.

### 3. Known Drug Interactions

Currently, there is limited information on specific drugs that directly target PPP4R2 or the PP4 complex as a therapeutic option. However, studies explore the roles of phosphatases in the context of cancer therapies, indicating that:

- **Inhibitors of serine/threonine phosphatases** could potentially interact with the PPP4 complex; however, no specific compounds are yet conclusively linked to PPP4R2.
- **Chemotherapeutic agents** that induce DNA damage could imply modulation of PPP4R2 activity could influence the effectiveness of these drugs.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

The PPP4R2 gene is involved in several essential biological pathways, including:

- **DNA Double-Strand Break Repair:** Critical in the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) repair pathways.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Involvement in dephosphorylation processes that occur during various phases of the cell cycle, particularly after DNA damage.
- **SnRNPs Maturation and Splicing:** Regulates the processing of spliceosomal snRNPs, necessary for RNA splicing.
- **Microtubule Organization:** Processes related to the stability and dynamics of the microtubule cytoskeleton, particularly at centrosomes.

As ongoing research further elucidates the relationships and interactions of PPP4R2 in various contexts, new insights into its biological significance will likely emerge.