### ARL4A Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** ARL4A  
**Full Name:** ADP-ribosylation factor-like 4A  
**Family:** GTP-binding proteins, specifically a member of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family.

#### 1. Associated Genes
ARL4A is known to be functionally related to several other genes, particularly those within the ARF family, such as:
- **ARL4C**: Closely related gene involved in similar signaling pathways.
- **ARL4D**: Another member of the ARL4 subfamily, sharing functions with ARL4A.
- **ARF1, ARF3, ARF4**: Other members of the ARF family with roles in vesicle transport and membrane trafficking.

ARL4A may also interact with various other proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization and signaling, including:
- **CYTH1, CYTH2, CYTH3, CYTH4**: These are cytohesins that interact with ARL4A and are involved in the regulation of membrane dynamics.

#### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
While specific studies focusing directly on ARL4A's role in aging are limited, due to its involvement in processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics and protein trafficking, ARL4A might be implicated in age-associated cellular events. Changes in protein transport and cellular signaling are known to be linked to aging and age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's) and cancer. Further investigation is warranted to establish a direct link between ARL4A and specific age-related modifications or diseases.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes that are well-documented as directly targeting ARL4A. However, since ARL4A is involved in GTPase activity and membrane dynamics, compounds that modulate GTPase activity or influence ARF family proteins might indirectly interact with ARL4A. Drugs targeting related pathways may include:
- **GTPase activators or inhibitors**: These would be relevant as they affect the cycling of ARL4A between active and inactive forms.
- **Chemotherapeutic agents**: Some studies have shown that targeting membrane trafficking can affect tumorigenesis, so there may be potential cross-talk.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ARL4A is involved in several key biological processes and signaling pathways:
- **Endocytosis**: Plays a role in the regulation of membrane trafficking, contributing to processes that affect cellular uptake and signaling.
- **Cytoskeletal Organization**: As ARL4A recruits cytoskeletal elements, it plays a role in cell shape and motility.
- **Nuclear Transport**: With a nuclear localization signal, ARL4A is involved in the transport of proteins and possibly RNA within the cell.
- **Signal Transduction**: Modulates signaling pathways related to cell growth and differentiation, often through its interactions with other proteins.

Overall, ARL4A is a versatile GTP-binding protein that plays a vital role in various cellular processes and may have implications in disease contexts associated with aging and cellular dysfunctions. Further research is needed to unveil its complete functional repertoire and potential therapeutic targets.