### NKIRAS2 Gene Overview

The **NKIRAS2** gene encodes an atypical Ras-like protein that plays a significant role in regulating NF-kappa-B (NF-κB) activity. By inhibiting the degradation of NF-κB inhibitor beta (NFKBIB), NKIRAS2 helps maintain signaling pathways that are crucial for various biological processes, including immune responses and inflammation.

### 1. Associated Genes

In addition to its primary functions, NKIRAS2 may interact with several genes and proteins, some of which include:

- **NFKBIA (IkappaB-alpha)** - This gene encodes a protein that inhibits NF-kappa-B, creating a complex regulatory interaction.
- **RELA (p65 subunit of NF-kB)** - Its interaction with NKIRAS2 may influence nuclear localization and activation of NF-kappa-B.
- **NFKB1** - Another major component in the NF-kappa-B signaling pathway.
- **RALGDS** - It may be involved in Ral protein signaling transduction.
- **GTPases** - While it's unclear if NKIRAS2 functions as a GTPase itself, it could interact with GTPase-mediated pathways.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Though specific studies on NKIRAS2's direct involvement in aging or age-related diseases are limited, its regulation of NF-kappa-B has broader implications, given NF-kappa-B's pivotal roles in inflammatory responses and cellular survival. Inflammatory processes have been widely implicated in age-related conditions, such as:

- **Cognitive decline** - Neuroinflammation mediated by NF-kB signaling has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- **Cardiovascular disease** - Chronic inflammation mediated by NF-kB plays a critical role in cardiovascular disorders often exacerbated with aging.
- **Cancer** - Dysregulation of NF-kappa-B is linked to various cancers, further supporting the gene’s potential relevance in the aging process.

### 3. Drugs and Drug Classes

Currently, specific drugs that directly target NKIRAS2 itself are not widely documented. However, given its role in the NF-kappa-B pathway, drugs that influence this pathway may indirectly interact with or affect NKIRAS2 activity. These may include:

- **IκB inhibitors**: Target inhibitors of the IκB protein family.
- **Anti-inflammatory drugs**: Corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory drugs that affect NF-kB activation and inflammation.
- **Proteasome inhibitors**: Such as bortezomib, which may influence NF-kB activity by blocking the degradation of IκB.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

NKIRAS2 is implicated in several key biological processes and signaling pathways, including:

- **NF-kB signaling pathway** - It distinctly modulates the activity of NF-kB, a crucial transcription factor involved in inflammation and immune responses.
- **Regulation of apoptosis** - Through its interaction with NF-kB signaling, it may influence cell survival and apoptosis.
- **Surfactant homeostasis** - This gene is predicted to play a role in maintaining lung surfactant levels, impacting respiratory function.
- **GTPase-mediated signaling** - While its direct action as a GTPase is debated, it may still interface with Ral signaling pathways.

Collectively, the NKIRAS2 gene plays a vital role in cellular signaling and regulation, particularly concerning inflammation and immune function, with potential implications in health issues associated with aging and age-related diseases.