### WASHC2A Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** WASHC2A  
**Location:** Cytosol, Nucleolus  
**Function:** The WASHC2A gene encodes a protein that is a core component of the WASH (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homolog) complex, which plays a crucial role in endosomal dynamics. WASHC2A is involved in actin polymerization through its influence on the Arp2/3 complex, and it mediates the fission of tubular structures during the sorting of endosomal vesicles.

---

### 1. Associated Genes

Aside from the gene interactions described in the NCBI and UniProt summaries, WASHC2A is associated with the following genes:

- **VPS35:** A subunit of the retromer complex important for protein sorting from endosomes.
- **DNAJC13:** A co-chaperone involved in protein folding and degradation.
- **ENTR1:** Important in endosomal trafficking.
- **ANKRD50:** A protein that may function in endosomal sorting.
- **COMMD1 and CCDC93:** Members of the CCC complex involved in endosomal recycling.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Current understanding of WASHC2A in the context of aging and age-related diseases is still emerging. However, a few points of interest include:

- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** There is some evidence linking the dysfunction of endosomal trafficking, which WASHC2A is involved in, with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Impaired trafficking may contribute to the accumulation of misfolded proteins.
- **Cancers:** Dysregulation of endosomal sorting has implications in cancer biology. Since WASHC2A is implicated in the recycling of receptors like GLUT1, it may play a role in cellular metabolism and growth, potentially influencing tumorigenesis.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the last data update, no specific drugs or drug classes were definitively associated with direct modulation of WASHC2A. However, the following classes may have relevance, focusing on the pathways associated with the gene:

- **Drugs targeting endosomal dynamics:** Some experimental or investigational treatments that modulate retromer or endosomal pathways may indirectly affect WASHC2A function.
- **Cytoskeletal-targeting agents:** Drugs that alter actin dynamics, such as cytochalasins or latrunculin, could influence WASHC2A activity given its role in actin polymerization.

More targeted pharmacological studies might yield specific drug interactions in the future.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

WASHC2A is involved in several critical biological pathways and processes, including:

- **Endocytosis:** Facilitation of the endosomal pathway by regulating membrane dynamics and recycling.
- **Actin Polymerization:** Regulation of the Arp2/3 complex leading to actin filament formation.
- **Vesicle Trafficking:** Specifically involved in transport from endosomes to the plasma membrane, especially for specific cargo proteins.
- **Retromer-Mediated Recycling:** Plays a role in the retromer complex's function to recycle proteins back to the plasma membrane or other organelles.

These pathways highlight the complex roles that WASHC2A plays in cellular homeostasis, communication, and the maintenance of intracellular environments. 

### Summary

In summary, WASHC2A is a vital gene encoding a protein integral to endosomal function, actin dynamics, and cellular trafficking processes. Its potential associations with aging and diseases, particularly neurodegeneration and cancer, underscore its importance in maintaining cellular health and functionality. Future research may provide deeper insights into drug interactions and age-related implications.