### CEP85 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: CEP85  
**Location**: Chromosome 2  
**Gene Type**: Protein-coding gene  

#### Summary
The CEP85 gene encodes a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining centrosome integrity during interphase. It is known to act as a negative regulator of NEK2, a kinase that is involved in regulating centrosome disjunction—as such, CEP85 contributes to the proper organization of microtubules and is important in cell cycle progression.

### 1. Associated Genes
CEP85 has been functionally linked to several other genes involved in centrosome dynamics and regulation. These include:

- **NEK2**: An important kinase associated with cell cycle regulation.
- **CEP63**: Involved in centrosome function and stability.
- **PLK1**: A key protein in cell cycle progression and mitosis.
- **TPX2**: Functions in microtubule organization during mitosis.
  
While these associations may not always be direct interactions, they highlight the interconnected nature of proteins involved in centrosome regulation.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research has indicated that disruptions in centrosome integrity and function can contribute to various age-related diseases, particularly those characterized by genomic instability and cancer. Alterations in the CEP85 gene may lead to increased centrosome disjunction and aneuploidy, both of which have been implicated in tumorigenesis. Therefore, proper regulation of CEP85 may have implications for aging processes and age-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

### 3. Known Drug Interactions
While specific drugs directly targeting CEP85 are not widely documented, the interplay between centrosome function, cell cycle regulation, and cancer therapies suggest potential indirect relationships. For instance:

- **Aurora Kinase Inhibitors**: These drugs target key kinases involved in mitotic processes, closely tied to NEK2 and CEP85 function.
- **NEDD8 inhibitors**: These may impact cellular signaling pathways associated with centrosome stability.

However, detailed pharmacological data specifically linking drugs to CEP85 is sparse and warrants further investigation.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CEP85 is involved in several critical biological processes, including:

- **Centrosome Assembly and Organization**: CEP85 plays a regulatory role in the assembly of the centrosome, crucial for microtubule organization.
- **Regulation of the Cell Cycle**: By inhibiting NEK2, CEP85 contributes to the regulation of cell cycle checkpoints, particularly during the interphase of the cell cycle.
- **Microtubule Organization**: Essential for spindle formation during mitosis, CEP85's role in microtubule stability is vital for proper chromosome segregation.
- **Response to DNA Damage**: Centrosomes have roles in the cellular response to DNA damage; consequently, alterations in CEP85 may affect cellular fidelity in response to stress.

In summary, CEP85 is a critical player in centrosome integrity and function, with implications for cellular processes, aging, and disease mechanisms. Further research may elucidate the potential for targeting this gene in therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases and cancers.