### CENPC Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: CENPC  
**Other Names**: Centromere protein C

**Function**:
CENPC encodes a protein that is an integral component of the kinetochore, specifically the inner kinetochore plate. This protein plays vital roles in the assembly of kinetochore proteins, maintenance of kinetochore size, and the transition to anaphase during mitosis. The protein is part of the CENPA-NAC complex which recruits other complexes critical for chromosomal segregation.

### 1. Associated Genes
CENPC has functional and physical interactions with several other genes and proteins, including but not limited to:
- **CENPA**: Centromere protein A, a histone variant crucial for centromere function.
- **CENPB**: Centromere protein B, which also plays a role in kinetochore assembly.
- **CENPH**: Centromere protein H, which is involved in the organization of the kinetochore.
- **DNMT3B**: DNA methyltransferase 3 beta, which CENPC recruits for regulating DNA methylation.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research has suggested that abnormalities in centromere function can lead to missegregation of chromosomes, which may contribute to age-related diseases, including:
- **Cancer**: Aneuploidy and genomic instability often seen in tumors might be associated with deficiencies in CENPC and related proteins, as they are crucial for proper chromosomal segregation during cell division.
- **Neurodegeneration**: There is emerging evidence suggesting that defects in mitotic processes, including those involving CENPC, may correlate with neurodegenerative diseases characterized by cellular aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, specific drugs directly targeting CENPC are not widely reported in the literature. However, drugs that influence DNA methylation, eg., **DNMT inhibitors** (like Azacitidine and Decitabine), can indirectly affect pathways in which CENPC is involved, especially concerning its role in recruiting DNMT3B for methylation processes at centromeres and pericentromeric regions.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CENPC is involved in several critical biological processes and pathways:
- **Kinetochore Assembly**: Essential for stable attachment of kinetochores to spindle microtubules.
- **Mitotic Progression**: A key player in the transition from metaphase to anaphase during cell division.
- **Chromosome Segregation**: Important for ensuring accurate division of chromosomes during mitosis.
- **DNA Methylation**: Participates in the regulation of methylation patterns in centromeric and pericentromeric regions, influencing gene expression and chromosomal stability.

### Conclusion
CENPC is a crucial gene for proper chromosome segregation and kinetochore assembly, with interactions that influence various genomic functions and potential implications in aging and age-related diseases. While specific drug interactions remain an area of ongoing research, the involvement of CENPC in epigenetic regulation suggests pathways for therapeutic targeting in malignancies and other age-associated conditions.