### ITGBL1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** ITGBL1  
**Entrez Gene ID:** 10555  
**Location:** Chromosome 1p36.21  
**Description:** The ITGBL1 gene encodes a member of the beta integrin family and contains elements characteristic of EGF-like proteins. The protein plays a role in various biological processes and is involved in cell adhesion and signaling due to its integrin-like structure. The presence of cysteine-rich repeats suggests potential interactions with extracellular matrix components. 

### 1. Associated Genes

The ITGBL1 gene may have associations with several genes, particularly those involved in similar pathways or biological processes:

- **ITGA6 (Integrin Subunit Alpha 6)**: Forms heterodimeric integrins with ITGBL1, potentially influencing cell adhesion and signaling.
- **ITGAV (Integrin Subunit Alpha V)**: Another integrin subunit that may be co-regulated or functionally associated.
- **MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinases)**: These genes are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, which may have a regulatory relationship with ITGBL1.
- **TGFB1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1)**: May interact with integrin signaling pathways in a variety of physiological contexts.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Though specific details about ITGBL1's direct role in aging or age-related diseases are limited, the presence of integrins in general is known to impact cellular adhesion, migration, and communication. Changes in integrin expression, including those related to ITGBL1, could be linked to:

- **Atherosclerosis**: Altered expression of integrins, particularly in vascular tissues like the aorta where ITGBL1 is prominently expressed.
- **Fibrosis**: Integrins are involved in extracellular matrix accumulation and tissue fibrosis, which may be exacerbated with aging.
- **Cancer**: Aberrant expression patterns of integrin-like proteins are often implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, linking ITGBL1 to age-related cancer susceptibility.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the latest update, specific drug interactions involving ITGBL1 are not comprehensively documented in clinical drug databases. However, general classes of therapeutics that may indirectly affect its activity include:

- **Integrin inhibitors**: These may modulate integrin signaling pathways, although many of the specific interactions would need to be experimentally validated.
- **Antifibrotic agents**: As ITGBL1 may influence fibrosis, drugs targeting fibrotic processes could alter its expression or function indirectly.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

ITGBL1 is involved in several pathways and biological processes, including:

- **Cell Adhesion**: ITGBL1 likely plays a critical role in cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, crucial for tissue integrity and development.
- **Extracellular Matrix Organization**: Associated with ECM synthesis and remodeling, potentially influencing tissue repair and fibrosis.
- **Signal Transduction**: Participates in signaling pathways that regulate various cellular functions, including growth and differentiation.
- **Developmental Processes**: Given the expression patterns, it may play roles in vascular development and maintenance.

### Conclusion

The ITGBL1 gene contributes to a variety of biological processes associated with extracellular interactions, particularly in connective tissues. Although direct links to aging and specific drugs require further research, its integrin-like properties suggest important functions in cellular adhesion and signaling which could indirectly relate it to age-related conditions. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the full spectrum of its associations and functional implications.