**Gene Overview: SLC31A1**

**Gene Symbol:** SLC31A1  
**Protein Product:** High-affinity copper transporter 1 (hCTR1)  
**Location:** Chromosome 8, specifically on the 8q13.3 region

**Primary Function:**  
SLC31A1 encodes a high-affinity copper transporter (hCTR1) that is crucial for cellular copper uptake. The protein functions as a homotrimer within the cell membrane, facilitating the transport of copper ions (Cu^1+) from the extracellular space into the cytoplasm. The mechanism of copper transport is sodium-independent and exhibits high affinity and saturability. The protein plays a key role in the import of dietary copper, supports copper chaperone interactions, and is vital for maintaining intracellular copper homeostasis.

### 1. Genes Associated with SLC31A1
While SLC31A1 interacts with several proteins, notably including:
- **ATOX1:** A copper chaperone that binds Cu^1+ and delivers it to target proteins.
- **KDR (VEGFR2):** Involved in angiogenesis signaling.
- **ALB:** Albumin, which helps transport copper ions in the bloodstream.

Some other genes of interest associated with copper metabolism, though not directly linked to SLC31A1, include:
- **SLC37A4:** Related to phosphate and potentially indirectly to copper homeostasis.
- **ATP7A and ATP7B:** Copper-transporting ATPases crucial for copper transport and homeostasis.

### 2. Age-Related Details
Research indicates that disruptions in copper transport may be associated with aging and age-related diseases:
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Mismanaged copper levels have been implicated in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Wilson's disease. Aging may exacerbate copper dysregulation or sensitivity.
- **Cardiovascular Health:** The role of SLC31A1 in mediating angiogenesis suggests that copper transport may impact cardiovascular aging and associated diseases by modifying vascular health.
- **Increased Oxidative Stress:** Alterations in hCTR1 function could influence the cellular redox state, which is particularly relevant in aging-related oxidative stress pathways.

### 3. Drug/Drug Class Interactions
SLC31A1 is known to mediate the uptake of certain chemotherapeutic agents:
- **Platinum-based drugs (e.g., cisplatin):** SLC31A1 has been shown to facilitate the entry of these drugs into the cells, influencing their efficacy and toxicity.
- **Potential interactions with silver (Ag^1+) ions** have also been noted, which may affect drug efficacy and safety, specifically in biomedical applications.
- Other metal ions such as cadmium (Cd^2+) also show involvement, although not as therapeutics.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
SLC31A1 participates in numerous biological pathways and processes:
- **Copper Ion Transport:** Critical for copper uptake and subsequent distribution to various cellular targets.
- **Angiogenesis:** Involved in VEGF signaling via interaction with KDR, acting as a redox sensor to promote angiogenic processes.
- **Metal Ion Homeostasis:** Regulator of metal ions' transport and homeostasis within the cellular environment.
- **Response to Oxidative Stress:** Modulates cellular response to oxidative conditions through its copper transport capabilities and interactions with ROS.
- **Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pathways:** Mediates the internalization of growth factor receptors in the endosomal pathway.

In conclusion, SLC31A1 is a multifaceted gene playing crucial roles in copper metabolism, interaction with various other proteins, and involvement in age-related diseases and drug pathways. This highlights its significance in both physiological and pathological contexts.