### NCL Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** NCL  
**Full Name:** Nucleolin (NCL)  
**Location:** Nucleus, primarily in the nucleolus  
**Gene Structure:** Composed of 14 exons and 13 introns, spanning approximately 11 kb. Intron 11 encodes the small nucleolar RNA, U20.

### Functional Role
Nucleolin is a prominent nucleolar phosphoprotein with critical functions in ribosome synthesis and maturation. It engages in pre-rRNA transcription, ribosome assembly, and may influence chromatin structure and transcriptional elongation. Being a major nucleolar protein, it associates with chromatin and pre-ribosomal particles and has a higher affinity for RNA oligonucleotides with specific sequences (5'-UUAGGG-3') as compared to telomeric DNA.

### 1. Associated Genes
While specific genes were not listed in the provided summaries, the NCL gene has been associated with several other genes involved in ribosomal biogenesis and cellular stress responses. For example:
- **RPS (Ribosomal Proteins):** Multiple ribosomal proteins have functional interactions with NCL in the context of ribosome assembly.
- **TOP1 (Topoisomerase I):** May interact with NCL in the regulation of transcription.
- **hTERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase):** Nucleolin has been reported to interact with hTERT and may regulate its activity.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Nucleolin has been implicated in several processes relevant to aging and age-related conditions:
- **Cellular Senescence:** Abnormalities in nucleolin expression contribute to cellular senescence, which is a mechanism linked to aging.
- **Cancer:** Altered nucleolin expression and function have been associated with various cancers. Nucleolin’s role in ribosome biogenesis and cell proliferation makes it a potential target in tumor biology.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Studies suggest that nucleolin may play a role in neuronal function and could be involved in age-related neurodegeneration.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While there may not be specific drugs targeting the NCL gene directly, various compounds have been studied for their effects on nucleolin:
- **Anticancer Drugs:** Certain chemotherapeutic agents may indirectly affect nucleolin expression during cancer treatment due to its role in ribosome biosynthesis.
- **Nucleolin-Binding Inhibitors:** Compounds that bind to nucleolin or inhibit its function have been investigated in preclinical models, particularly in cancer research.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
Nucleolin is involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways, including but not limited to:
- **Ribosome Biogenesis:** Critical for the processing of rRNA and assembly of ribosomal subunits.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Participation in various cell cycle phases and checkpoint regulation.
- **Transcriptional Regulation:** Influencing the transcription of rRNA genes and possibly other genes involved in cell growth and metabolism.
- **Stress Response Pathways:** Nucleolin's expression can be influenced by cellular stress, suggesting it plays a role in cellular adaptation to stress.

### Summary
The NCL gene encodes nucleolin, a vital nucleolar protein linked to ribosome biogenesis and cellular growth regulation. It is associated with various genes related to ribosomal function, has implications in aging and cancer, and participates in critical biological pathways. Understanding its interactions and functions holds potential for therapeutic insights, particularly in age-related diseases and cancers.