### ALCAM Gene Overview

- **Gene Symbol:** ALCAM (Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule)
- **Alternate Name:** CD166 (Cluster of Differentiation 166)
- **Gene Location:** Chromosome 3q13.13

**Summary:**
The ALCAM gene encodes a cell adhesion molecule that plays crucial roles in immune response, cell migration, and tissue organization. It possesses five immunoglobulin-like domains and is involved in both heterotypic interactions with CD6 (a T-cell differentiation antigen) and homotypic interactions among cells expressing ALCAM. The protein is also implicated in various processes, including T-cell activation, hematopoiesis, and neurite growth.

### 1. Associated Genes
ALCAM has several known interactions with other genes, including:
- **CD6:** A receptor that interacts with ALCAM for T-cell activation and immunological synapse formation.
- **LILRB4:** An immune receptor that ALCAM can bind to, enhancing LILRB4-mediated inhibition of T-cell proliferation.
- **Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF):** While not directly mentioned, pathways involving endothelial cells may influence interactions with various factors, including VEGF.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
- ALCAM has been implicated in aging, particularly in the context of cell adhesion and tissue regeneration.
- Age-related changes in ALCAM expression have been associated with diminished immune responses, as ALCAM's role in T-cell activation is critical for effective immune function.
- Alterations in ALCAM function are also linked with neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting implications in neuronal adhesion and signaling, which may impact aging-related cognitive decline.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While there are no specific drugs explicitly known to target ALCAM, it may interact with drugs affecting immune responses or cancer therapies that affect cell adhesion molecules, including:
- **Monoclonal antibodies** targeting immune checkpoints or T cell functions, which may indirectly affect ALCAM-related signaling pathways.
- **Immunosuppressive agents** that modulate T-cell activation, potentially influencing ALCAM's role in immune response.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ALCAM is involved in several pathways and biological processes:
- **Cell Adhesion:** Mediates cell-cell contact important for hematopoietic stem cell anchoring and dendritic cell attachment to endothelium.
- **Immune Response:** Enhances T-cell activation and counter-regulatory mechanisms involved in T-cell proliferation.
- **Neurite Growth:** Plays a role in neurite extension and axon guidance during neuronal development and repair processes.
- **Endothelial Cell Functions:** Inhibits endothelial cell migration and promotes tube formation, critical in angiogenesis.
- **Lymphatic System Development:** Contributes to the organization of the lymphatic network.

These avenues illustrate the diverse functions of ALCAM in both the immune system and other biological processes, marking it as a multifunctional molecule connected to essential cellular interactions, aging, and potential implications in therapeutic contexts.