### GDA Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** GDA  
**Description:** The GDA gene encodes the enzyme guanine deaminase, which catalyzes the hydrolytic deamination of guanine to produce xanthine and ammonia. This enzyme is involved in purine metabolism and may have a role in microtubule assembly as suggested by studies in the rat ortholog.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the initial summaries do not mention specific genes associated with GDA, in the context of its enzymatic pathway (purine metabolism), it can be indirectly linked with genes including:

- **ADA (Adenosine Deaminase):** Another enzyme in purine metabolism.
- **XDH (Xanthine Dehydrogenase):** Converts xanthine to uric acid.
- **NT5C (Nucleotidase 5', cytosolic):** Involved in nucleotide metabolism, which is closely related to the purine metabolic pathway.

These associations typically arise from shared pathways or broader metabolic contexts.

### 2. Aging or Age-Related Diseases
The specific relationship between GDA and aging or age-related diseases may not be well-studied directly; however, purine metabolism is critical in various cellular processes, including DNA repair and cell signaling. Dysregulation of purine metabolism is implicated in several age-related diseases, such as:

- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Altered purine metabolism can contribute to the pathophysiology of conditions like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
- **Cancer:** Changes in purine metabolism, including the activity of guanine deaminase, can affect tumor growth and development.
- **Cardiovascular Diseases:** Metabolic stress due to abnormal purine metabolism can lead to cardiovascular complications associated with aging.

### 3. Drugs or Drug Classes
As of the information available until October 2023, there are no specific drugs directly targeting GDA. However, drugs that influence purine metabolism or are known to affect related pathways include:

- **Adenosine A3 Receptor Agonists:** Such as Cl-IB-MECA, which may indirectly affect pathways where GDA activity is relevant.
- **Allopurinol:** While primarily targeting xanthine oxidase, it can influence overall purine metabolism and may have an indirect impact on GDA-related functions.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
The GDA gene is involved in several key biological processes and pathways, including:

- **Purine Metabolism Pathway:** GDA is a crucial step in the degradation of guanine, facilitating the formation of xanthine, which is then further processed to uric acid.
- **Cellular Response to Stress:** By participating in nucleotide metabolism, GDA may play a role in cellular stress responses.
- **Microtubule Assembly:** Its reported role in microtubule assembly suggests involvement in cellular infrastructure and transport.

### Conclusion
The GDA gene is essential for purine metabolism and possibly plays a role in several physiological processes, including microtubule dynamics. Although direct associations with aging and specific drugs are less defined, its involvement in broader metabolic roles suggests potential implications in age-related diseases. Further research may illuminate additional connections and therapeutic insights related to GDA's function in various biological contexts.