### MTA1 Gene Overview

**Gene Name:** MTA1  
**Gene Symbol:** MTA1  
**Chromosomal Location:** Human chromosome 14q32.2  

**Description:** The MTA1 gene encodes a protein that has been implicated in cancer biology, particularly in the context of metastatic cancer. Identified as part of a screen for genes expressed in metastatic mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines, its expression levels have been correlated with the metastatic potential of various carcinomas, despite also being expressed in numerous normal tissues.

#### Protein Characteristics
- **Function:** Acts as a transcriptional coregulator capable of functioning both as a corepressor and coactivator.
- **Composition:** Part of the NuRD (nucleosome remodeling and deacetylation) complex, suggesting a role in transcriptional regulation through chromatin remodeling.
- **Domains:** Contains two DNA binding domains, a dimerization domain, and a domain associated with DNA methylation.

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### 1. Other Associated Genes
The MTA1 gene is known to interact with and impact the expression and regulation of several other genes, including:
- **BRCA1** - a critical gene in DNA repair and breast cancer susceptibility.
- **ESR1** - estrogen receptor 1 involved in hormone-related signaling pathways.
- **TFF1** - involved in gastric mucosal protection and cancer.
- **CDKN1A (p21)** - a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor playing a role in cell cycle regulation.
- **BCAS3** - implicated in breast cancer progression.
- **SIX3** - a transcriptional repressor affecting developmental processes.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The MTA1 gene has not been directly implicated in specific age-related diseases, but its role in the regulation of the circadian clock and involvement in DNA repair mechanisms suggest potential impacts on aging and age-related pathologies. Changes in circadian rhythms have been linked to both aging and age-related diseases, such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases.

### 3. Drugs or Drug Classes
While specific drugs targeting MTA1 directly are not widely acknowledged, it is recognized that:
- **Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi)** such as Vorinostat and Romidepsin, which may influence the activity of the NuRD complex, could indirectly affect MTA1's function through chromatin remodeling mechanisms.
- **Anticancer agents** may intersect with pathways involving MTA1, especially agents aimed at enhancing DNA repair mechanisms or targeting the NF-κB pathway, but specific drugs directly targeting MTA1 have not been established.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
MTA1 is involved in several crucial biological pathways and processes, such as:
- **Chromatin remodeling:** Facilitation of transcriptional regulation via histone deacetylation through the NuRD complex.
- **Transcription regulation:** Modulating transcription factors and gene expression tied to cancer and normal physiological processes.
- **Circadian rhythm regulation:** Essential for maintaining circadian rhythms and is involved in the transcriptional activation mediated by the CLOCK-BMAL1 complex.
- **DNA repair:** Essential for p53 dependent and independent pathways, indicating involvement in maintaining genomic stability.
- **Stem cell pluripotency:** Collaborates with TFCP2L1 to maintain pluripotency in embryonic stem cells.

In summary, the MTA1 gene exhibits critical roles in both cancer biology and normal cellular functions, particularly in transcriptional regulation and chromatin dynamics, making it a potential target for further research in both therapeutic and aging contexts.