### USP17L24 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** USP17L24  
**Function:** The USP17L24 gene encodes a deubiquitinating enzyme that is involved in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the cellular response to viral infections. It displays RNA binding activity, hyaluronic acid binding activity, and thiol-dependent deubiquitinase activity.

### 1. Associated Genes

While USP17L24 may have several interaction partners and is involved in pathways with various proteins, specific genes commonly associated with it include:

- **USP17:** USP17L24 is a member of the USP (Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases) family, and its closest paralog is USP17. USP17 plays similar roles in deubiquitination and regulation of various cellular processes.
- **TP53 (Tumor Protein p53):** Involved in pathways regulating apoptosis, stress responses, and the cell cycle.
- **MCL1 (Myeloid Cell Leukemia 1):** A downstream marker influenced by deubiquitination processes.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases

Research suggests that several USP family members, including USP17L24, may play roles in aging and age-related diseases through the modulation of cellular processes:

- **Apoptosis:** Dysregulation of apoptosis is linked to cancer and age-related degenerative diseases. By influencing the apoptotic process, USP17L24 may be involved in how cells respond to stress and sustain longevity.
- **Cell Proliferation and Senescence:** Ubiquitination directly affects protein turnover, which is crucial in age-related cellular senescence pathways. Deubiquitinating enzymes like USP17L24 may have a role in maintaining cellular health and mitigating age-related decline.

### 3. Drug Interactions

Specific interactions with drugs or drug classes for USP17L24 have not been extensively documented. However, given its role in cellular processes, potential drug interactions may involve:

- **Chemotherapeutic agents:** Drugs targeting cellular growth, such as those for cancer treatment, may indirectly impact USP17L24 activity since it is involved in regulating apoptosis and proliferation.
- **Immunomodulators:** Since it also plays a role in the immune response, agents targeting viral infections may affect its activity as well.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

The USP17L24 gene is involved in various biological pathways and processes:

- **Protein Deubiquitination:** It directly alters the ubiquitin-proteasome system by removing ubiquitin chains from target proteins, influencing their stability and function.
- **Epithelial Cell Apoptosis:** Participates in positively regulating apoptosis, particularly in epithelial tissues, which is crucial for tissue homeostasis.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Affects progression through the cell cycle by regulating proteins involved in cell cycle checkpoints and transitions.
- **Response to Viral Infection:** Modulates host cell responses to viral challenges, likely through the deubiquitination of proteins involved in antiviral responses.
- **Hyaluronic Acid Metabolism:** Involved in interactions with hyaluronic acid, which has implications in inflammation and tissue repair.

### Summary

USP17L24 is a deubiquitinating enzyme associated with critical cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell proliferation, and viral responses. While there is emerging interest in its role in aging and potential drug interactions, further studies are necessary to elucidate its comprehensive functions and clinical relevance in age-related diseases.