### CFL2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CFL2  
**Location:** Chromosome 7p12.1  
**Function:** The CFL2 gene encodes an intracellular protein that crucially regulates actin filament dynamics, which is important for various cellular processes, including muscle maintenance and cellular motility. The protein it encodes can bind both globular (G-actin) and filamentous (F-actin) forms of actin in a 1:1 ratio and alters actin polymerization and depolymerization in a pH-dependent manner.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the summaries primarily mention cofilin's interaction with actin and its associations with actin regulatory proteins, specific associated genes relevant to CFL2 may include:

- **CSPR3 (Cofilin/Semaphorin-related protein 3):** It has been noted that CSPR3 can regulate the F-actin depolymerization activity of CFL2.
- **ACTA1 (Actin Alpha Cardiac Muscle 1):** As it relates to muscle function and myopathies.
- **VCL (Vinculin):** Involved in linking the actin cytoskeleton to cell adhesion sites.
- **MYH7 (Myosin Heavy Chain 7):** Relevant to muscle contraction, and mutations can be linked with muscular diseases.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

CFL2 has been implicated in congenital myopathy, specifically nemaline myopathy type 7. Specific details regarding direct associations with aging or common age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), are less defined. However, as CFL2 is critical for muscle integrity and function, any dysregulation may indirectly contribute to age-associated muscle degeneration. Moreover, the actin cytoskeleton's health is key to maintaining muscle function, which is crucial as individuals age.

### 3. Interacting Drugs or Drug Classes

As of the latest information available, specific drugs or drug classes that directly interact with CFL2 have not been well-characterized in literature. However, drugs targeting actin dynamics or those affecting the cytoskeleton (e.g., cytochalasins and latrunculin) might indirectly influence the function of CFL2, considering its role in actin filament dynamics. Future research may provide insights into specific pharmacological interventions.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

CFL2 is involved in several important biological processes and pathways including:

- **Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics:** CFL2 plays a fundamental role in regulating the stability and turnover of the actin cytoskeleton.
- **Muscle Development and Maintenance:** The gene is critical in skeletal muscle function and is associated with muscle-related pathologies, highlighting its importance in muscle evolutionary processes.
- **Signal Transduction:** Alterations in actin dynamics mediated by CFL2 may be involved in intracellular signaling cascades.
- **Cell Motility:** Regulating actin polymerization and depolymerization allows cells to exhibit motility in developmental and reparative contexts.

CFL2's functions underscore its importance in both physiological muscle function and pathologies associated with muscular degeneration, emphasizing its potential as a target for future therapeutic strategies in neuromuscular disorders.