### ENG Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: ENG  
**Gene Name**: Endoglin  

**Description**: The ENG gene encodes a homodimeric transmembrane protein that functions as a significant glycoprotein in the vascular endothelium. It is integral in the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor complex, having high-affinity binding to beta1 and beta3 peptides. ENG mutations are implicated in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Rendu-Weber syndrome type 1), an autosomal dominant vascular disorder. Additionally, ENG may have roles in preeclampsia and various cancers. The gene has several alternatively spliced isoforms.

### 1. Associated Genes
ENG is implicated in interactions or regulatory pathways involving several other genes, including but not limited to:

- **TGFBR1** and **TGFBR2**: These encode type I and type II TGF-beta receptors, respectively, with which ENG forms a signaling complex.
- **ALK1 (ACVRL1)**: Mutations in this gene, similar to ENG, are also linked to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
- **SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3**: Signaling partners in the TGF-beta/BMP pathway involved in transcription regulation.
- **BMP9 (GDF2)**: A growth factor involved in the signaling pathway that includes ENG.
- **INT-αvβ3 (integrins)**: Involved in cell adhesion and migration processes that ENG is also associated with.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The ENG gene has been researched in the context of aging and related diseases due to its role in vascular functioning:

- **Atherosclerosis**: Variants in ENG expression may influence the progression of atherosclerotic changes in the vasculature, which is a significant age-related cardiovascular condition.
- **Pulmonary Hypertension**: Associated with aging and often linked to alterations in vascular integrity and remodeling, potentially influenced by ENG signaling pathways.
- **Cancer**: Aging is a significant risk factor for various cancers, and ENG's role in angiogenesis makes it relevant in tumor development and metastasis associated with age.
  
### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs directly targeting ENG are minimal, several classes of drugs interact with pathways that involve this gene:

- **Anti-angiogenic drugs**: Such as Bevacizumab (Avastin) and others that may indirectly affect pathways influenced by ENG.
- **TGF-beta inhibitors**: Like small molecules designed to inhibit TGF-beta signaling pathways, which ENG is a part of.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ENG is involved in numerous biological processes and signaling pathways:

- **TGF-beta Signaling Pathway**: Acts as a coreceptor in this vital pathway influencing cellular growth and differentiation.
- **Angiogenesis**: Critical for the formation of new blood vessels, with roles in both embryonic and adult vasculature.
- **Endothelial Cell Migration**: ENG is crucial for the migration and structural integrity of endothelial cells.
- **Regulation of Cell Shape and Morphology**: Essential in responding to mechanical stimuli such as blood flow.
- **BMP Pathway**: Interacts with BMPs like GDF2 to mediate endothelial signaling and development.

### Conclusion
The ENG gene is integral in maintaining vascular integrity and function. Its implications in hereditary disorders, cancer, and its connections to aging and vascular diseases underscore its importance in health and disease management. Further research may continue to unveil more about ENG's role in various biological processes and therapeutic avenues.