### ANG Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** ANG  
**Location:** Chromosome 14q11.2  
**Protein Name:** Angiogenin  

The ANG gene encodes a protein that is a member of the ribonuclease A superfamily, often referred to as angiogenin due to its pivotal role in angiogenesis. This gene influences crucial signaling pathways and cellular processes, thereby impacting growth conditions, notably in tumor progression and neuroprotection.

### 1. Associated Genes
In addition to the RNase4 gene, which shares promoters and 5' exons with ANG, other genes associated with ANG include:

- **RNH1 (Ribonuclease/angiogenin inhibitor 1):** Inhibitor of angiogenin, thus modulating its angiogenic activity.
- **EGR1 (Early Growth Response 1):** May play a role in transcriptional regulation connected to ANG activity during stress responses.
- **GSK3B (Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta):** Involved in various cellular processes that may link to angiogenin's functions under specific conditions.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Research indicates that ANG may play a significant role in age-related diseases due to its functions in angiogenesis and cellular stress responses. Several pertinent details include:

- **Neurodegenerative Disorders:** Variants of ANG have been linked to the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Its involvement in neuroprotection suggests potential implications in other age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
- **Cardiovascular Diseases:** Angiogenesis, mediated by ANG, is crucial for tissue repair post-ischemia, which is particularly relevant in aging populations susceptible to cardiovascular conditions.
- **Cancer Progression:** The expression levels of ANG are often upregulated in various tumors, targeting populations that are older or predisposed to develop cancer.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs directly targeting angiogenin are limited, some classes of drugs and compounds that impact angiogenesis and may interact with ANG include:

- **Anti-angiogenic agents:** For example, **Bevacizumab (Avastin)**, which targets the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, might work in conjunction with the effects of ANG.
- **RNA synthesis inhibitors:** Compounds such as actinomycin D may affect pathways in which ANG is involved.
- **Neuroprotective agents:** Certain neuroprotective drugs, such as some forms of **antioxidants**, may modulate ANG activity indirectly by addressing oxidative stress.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ANG is involved in several critical biological pathways, including but not limited to:

- **Angiogenesis and Vascular Development:** Directly stimulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and blood vessel formation.
- **Cell Growth and Proliferation:** Influences pathways related to mitogenesis and ribosomal RNA synthesis, critical in cell division.
- **Stress Response and RNA Metabolism:** The hydrolysis of tRNA and the production of tRNA-derived fragments (tiRNAs) play a role in cellular stress responses, impacting protein synthesis and the formation of stress granules.
- **Cellular Signaling Pathways:** Includes interaction with other proteins that may modulate cell survival pathways, including those triggered by growth factors and inflammatory signals.

### Summary
The ANG gene and its product, angiogenin, are highly involved in regulating angiogenesis, cellular stress responses, and effects on cell growth. It has significant implications in cancer biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and various cell signaling pathways. The interplay of ANG with other genes and pathways underscores its role in both normal and pathological processes, particularly those associated with aging and age-related diseases.