### DIRAS2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** DIRAS2  
**Protein Summary:** DIRAS2 is a member of the DIRAS family of GTPases. It displays low GTPase activity and predominantly exists in the GTP-bound form, which suggests a role in cellular signaling or regulation.

### 1. Associated Genes
DIRAS2 has been linked to several other genes, typically as part of molecular signaling pathways or shared biological processes. Notably, it may interact or correlate with genes involved in the GTPase signaling cascade. Specific genes may include:
- **K-Ras** (KRAS) – involved in cell proliferation and survival.
- **RhoA** (RHOA) – implicated in cytoskeletal dynamics.
- **Cdc42** (CDC42) – known for its role in cell cycle progression and actin filament organization.
- Genes participating in neuronal signaling and differentiation are also often studied alongside DIRAS2, given potential roles in development and neurobiology.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Recent studies suggest that DIRAS2 may be involved in processes associated with aging and age-related diseases. Some known details include:
- **Neurodegeneration**: DIRAS2 has shown potential implications in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Its abnormal expression may correlate with conditions like **Alzheimer's disease**.
- **Cancer**: Altered expression of DIRAS2 has been observed in various cancers, which may have indirect links to aging since cancer risk increases with age.
- **Cellular Stress Response**: DIRAS2 might play a role in cellular responses to stress and apoptosis, processes that are critical in age-related cellular degradation.

### 3. Drug Interactions
As DIRAS2 is primarily a research-focused gene and does not have extensively characterized drug interactions, it is not directly associated with specific drugs or drug classes. However:
- Investigational compounds targeting the Rho family of GTPases may indirectly interact with DIRAS2 or its signaling pathways.
- Future therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating GTPase activity may consider DIRAS2's involvement in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
DIRAS2 is involved in various biological pathways, including:
- **GTPase activity and signal transduction**: The gene functions in signaling pathways that regulate various cellular functions, including growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
- **Neural Development**: Its role in neurodevelopment and neuronal signaling suggests involvement in pathways regulating neuron differentiation and function.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: DIRAS2 may influence pathways involved in the cell cycle and responses to cellular stress, contributing to the cellular processes that undergo changes with age.

Overall, though DIRAS2 is not the most heavily studied gene, its involvement in crucial cellular pathways and implied associations with age-related processes hint at its potential significance in health and disease. Further research is necessary to elucidate its full biological role and translational applications.