The RECQL gene encodes a member of the RecQ DNA helicase family, which is crucial for DNA repair processes and maintaining genomic stability. Here is an expanded overview based on your request:

### 1. Associated Genes
RECQL has been implicated in functional interactions with several other genes involved in DNA repair, replication, and cellular stress responses. Some of the notable genes associated with RECQL include:
- **BRCA1**: Involved in double-strand break repair and genomic stability.
- **BRCA2**: Also associated with DNA repair pathways and maintaining genomic stability.
- **WRN**: Another member of the RecQ helicase family, associated with Werner syndrome and genomic integrity.
- **BLM**: Deficiencies in this gene result in Bloom syndrome, which is characterized by increased cancer susceptibility and genomic instability.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The RECQL gene has been linked to several aspects of aging and age-related diseases:
- **Cancer**: A pivotal role in DNA repair means that dysfunction of RECQL can contribute to tumorigenesis, particularly in cancers like breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. 
- **Genomic Stability**: Loss of function mutations in RECQL lead to genomic instability, a hallmark of many age-related diseases and cancer types.
- **Aging-related DNA damage**: Proper function of RECQL is critical in mitigating DNA damage that accumulates with age, potentially contributing to cellular senescence and age-associated pathologies.

### 3. Known Drug Interactions
While specific drug interactions with the RECQL gene have not been comprehensively detailed, several classes of drugs that target DNA repair mechanisms may indirectly interact with RECQL function:
- **Chemotherapeutic Agents**: Drugs such as cisplatin and doxorubicin affect DNA repair pathways and may be influenced by the activity of RECQL.
- **PARP Inhibitors**: Such as olaparib, are involved in the repair of single-strand DNA breaks and may affect pathways with which RECQL interacts, especially in cancer treatment.
- Compounds that induce oxidative stress or DNA damage may also compete with the protective functions of RECQL.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
RECQL is involved in several biological processes and molecular pathways:
- **DNA Repair**: Specifically in nucleotide excision repair (NER), homologous recombination repair (HR), and repair of oxidative stress-induced damage.
- **Telomere Maintenance**: Essential in protecting chromosomal ends and preventing telomere shortening, which contributes to cellular aging.
- **Sister Chromatid Exchange Suppression**: Helps maintain chromosomal integrity during cell division.
- **Response to Genotoxic Stress**: Functions in cellular responses to DNA damage from various sources, contributing to cellular resistance to genotoxic stress.

RECQL is critical for genomic stability and plays a significant role in cellular aging, making it a gene of interest in cancer research and understanding age-related diseases. Further studies can offer deeper insights into its therapeutic implications and potential drug targeting.