### EPN2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** EPN2  
**Location:** Chromosome 14  
**Function:** EPN2 encodes a protein that is important for clathrin-mediated endocytosis, playing a significant role in the trafficking of membrane proteins and receptors in cells.

### 1. Associated Genes

EPN2 has been found to interact with several other genes and proteins, particularly in the context of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking. Some notable associations include:

- **CLTC (Clathrin, Heavy Chain)**: EPN2 interacts with clathrin, a key protein involved in forming coated vesicles during endocytosis.
- **AP2A1 (Adaptor Protein Complex 2, Alpha 1 Subunit)**: EPN2's interaction with this adaptor protein complex is crucial for the recognition and binding of cargo proteins that need to be internalized.
- **EPN1**: Another member of the EPN family, which shares functional similarities and may play a complementary role in endocytic pathways.
- **SH3GLB1**: This gene encodes a protein (SH3 domain-containing GRB2-like protein 1) that may be involved in endosome dynamics and could interact with EPN2 functionally.
- **RAB proteins (e.g., RAB5)**: Involved in vesicle trafficking and may interact with EPN2 in regulating endocytic pathways.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While specific studies directly linking EPN2 to aging or age-related diseases are limited, several general observations can be made:

- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: EPN2 is expressed in the brain and may have indirect implications in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, where endocytosis and the trafficking of amyloid precursor proteins are disrupted, contributing to amyloid-beta plaque formation.
- **Cellular Senescence**: Altered endocytic pathways, including those involving EPN2, could impact the process of cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, which results in an accumulation of dysfunctional cells.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of October 2023, specific drugs or drug classes directly targeting EPN2 have not been identified in available databases. However, drugs affecting clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a broader sense, such as:

- **Cholesterol-lowering drugs**: These may indirectly influence clathrin-mediated uptake processes.
- **Endocytosis inhibitors**: Compounds that inhibit endocytosis may affect pathways involving EPN2, though none are specifically targeting this gene.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

EPN2 is involved in several key biological processes and pathways, including:

- **Clathrin-mediated endocytosis**: EPN2 plays a pivotal role in the formation and invagination of clathrin-coated pits, facilitating the internalization of diverse receptors and ligands.
- **Membrane trafficking**: Regulation of vesicle transport and formation of transport vesicles that are vital for intracellular communication.
- **Signal transduction**: By modulating the internalization of receptors, EPN2 influences signal transduction pathways important for cellular responses to external stimuli.

### Summary

In summary, EPN2 is a crucial gene in the endocytic pathway, with interactions that extend to several other proteins involved in membrane trafficking and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Its role in the brain and potential implications in neurodegenerative diseases highlight its importance in cellular processes that may be affected by aging. Further research may elucidate more specific interactions and effects related to its function in health and disease.