### DENND4C Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** DENND4C  
**Function:** The DENND4C gene encodes a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that activates RAB10, facilitating the conversion of GDP-bound (inactive) RAB10 into its GTP-bound (active) form, which plays a critical role in intracellular transport processes, particularly the translocation of glucose transporter GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in response to insulin.

#### 1. Associated Genes
DENND4C is most commonly associated with RAB10. However, other genes it may have functional interactions with or are involved in the same pathways include:
- **SLC2A4 (GLUT4):** As mentioned, DENND4C is involved in the trafficking of the GLUT4 glucose transporter.
- **RAB14:** Another RAB GTPase potentially regulated by DENND4C.
- **INSR (Insulin Receptor):** Since DENND4C is involved in insulin signaling, this gene may also be functionally related.
- **AKT1 and other downstream insulin signaling pathway components:** These may be indirectly affected through the action of GLUT4 translocation.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While direct studies connecting DENND4C to aging are limited, potential associations arise from its role in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis, which are critical for aging and metabolic diseases. Impaired insulin signaling and GLUT4 translocation are common in:
- **Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome:** These conditions are often associated with aging and may be influenced by altered DENND4C activity.
- **Obesity:** Age-related weight changes can affect insulin and GLUT4 signaling, implicating DENND4C in age-related metabolic dysregulation.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there is no specific drug targeting DENND4C directly noted, but drugs that influence insulin signaling pathways may indirectly interact through the GLUT4 pathway, including:
- **Insulin and insulin sensitizers (like Metformin):** These drugs can affect GLUT4 translocation, thereby potentially linking back to DENND4C function.
- **GLP-1 receptor agonists:** These may enhance GLUT4 activity indirectly.
- **Thiazolidinediones (TZDs):** Another class of insulin-sensitizing agents that may have downstream effects related to DENND4C via GLUT4 regulation.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
The DENND4C gene is involved in several important biological pathways:
- **Insulin signaling pathway:** It plays a key role in the cellular response to insulin, affecting glucose uptake.
- **Regulation of Rab proteins:** As a GEF for RAB10, DENND4C is involved in processes related to vesicle trafficking and organelle communication.
- **Endocytosis:** Regulation of GLUT4 translocation relates to various endocytic pathways.
- **Cellular response to glucose:** The activity of DENND4C is crucial in determining how cells respond to changes in glucose availability.

In summary, DENND4C is a significant player in glucose metabolism through its regulatory effects on GLUT4 and insulin signaling, with implications for metabolic disorders related to aging. Further research may provide deeper insights into its role in age-associated diseases and therapeutic targets.