### RAB15 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** RAB15

**Gene Function:** RAB15 is a member of the RAB family of small GTPases and is predicted to have GTP binding and GTPase activity. It is primarily involved in the regulation of the regulated secretory pathway, which is essential for the transport of secretory proteins and vesicles within cells. RAB15 is localized in cilia, the endosome membrane, and the perinuclear region of the cytoplasm, indicating its role in intracellular trafficking and signaling.

**Protein Interactions:** RAB15 may work synergistically with RAB3A in modulating aspects of synaptic vesicle membrane flow in nerve terminals, highlighting its potential role in synaptic function and neurotransmitter release.

### 1. Associated Genes
RAB15 has been linked with various other genes, including but not limited to:
- **RAB3A:** The interaction with RAB3A in regulating synaptic vesicle dynamics suggests a functional relationship between these two RAB proteins.
- **RAB27A & RAB27B:** Other members of the RAB gene family that may share functional pathways with RAB15.
- **EXOSC3:** Thought to be involved in the same cellular processes as RAB15, such as RNA metabolism and vesicle trafficking.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
There are currently limited direct associations between RAB15 and aging or age-related diseases in the literature. However, since RAB proteins are involved in intracellular trafficking and membrane dynamics, which can undergo dysregulation with age, it can be hypothesized that RAB15 might indirectly contribute to age-related cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, any dysregulation in synaptic vesicle dynamics could potentially link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, although specific links to RAB15 require further investigation.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes explicitly cited as interacting with RAB15. Nevertheless, drugs that target neurotransmitter release or vesicle transport mechanisms may have downstream effects that influence RAB15 activity, given its role in synaptic vesicle dynamics. This could include:
- **Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs):** These may modulate synaptic vesicle trafficking and could indirectly affect RAB15 activity.
- **Neuroprotective agents:** Potential therapies for conditions affecting synaptic functions may also have implications for RAB15, although no direct interactions have been detailed.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
RAB15 is involved in several key biological processes and cellular pathways, including:
- **Regulated Secretory Pathway:** Important for the regulated transport and release of proteins and neurotransmitters.
- **Endosomal Trafficking:** Implicated in sorting and recycling proteins within the endosomal network.
- **Ciliary Function:** Suggests a role in signaling pathways associated with primary cilia, which are crucial in various cellular signaling mechanisms.
- **Synaptic Transmission:** Involved in vesicle trafficking within neurons, impacting neurotransmitter release during synaptic activity.

### Summary
RAB15 plays an essential role in GTPase activity and intracellular transportation, particularly in the context of synaptic function. While the direct associations with aging or therapeutics are limited, its involvement in critical pathways suggests that RAB15 may have broader implications in neurobiology and potentially in pathologies associated with age-related deterioration. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific functions and interactions of RAB15 in various biological contexts.