### UMPS Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** UMPS  
**Gene Function:** The UMPS gene encodes the protein uridine 5'-monophosphate synthase, a bifunctional enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. It catalyzes two essential reactions in this pathway:
1. Conversion of orotic acid to orotidine-5'-monophosphate (OMP) by the N-terminal enzyme orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT).
2. Decarboxylation of OMP to uridine monophosphate (UMP) by the C-terminal enzyme OMP decarboxylase (ODC).

**Clinical Relevance:** Defects in the UMPS gene lead to hereditary orotic aciduria, a metabolic disorder characterized by the excessive excretion of orotic acid and associated symptoms like developmental delays and immune dysfunction.

### 1. Associated Genes
The UMPS gene has been associated with several other genes primarily involved in nucleotide metabolism and pyrimidine biosynthesis. These include:
- **CAD** (Carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase) - the first enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway.
- **DHODH** (Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) - involved in converting dihydroorotate to orotate.
- **UMP-CBP** (Uridine monophosphate-cytidine triphosphate) - involved in further nucleotide biosynthesis.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific data linking UMPS directly to aging or age-related diseases is limited, the synthesis and regulation of nucleotides, including pyrimidines, are crucial for DNA and RNA synthesis and repair. Disruptions in these processes can lead to cellular senescence and various age-related disorders. Accumulation of orotic acid as a result of UMPS deficiency may lead to metabolic imbalances that could hypothetically influence aging and related diseases, though specific studies examining this connection are scarce.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Drugs or drug classes that are known to interact with the UMPS gene or its enzymatic products include:
- **Antimetabolites** such as **5-fluorouracil**, which inhibits thymidylate synthase, a key enzyme downstream in the pyrimidine pathway.
- Other chemotherapeutics targeting nucleotide metabolism, as the activity of UMPS affects the overall metabolic pathways that are targeted in cancer therapies.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
The UMPS gene plays a pivotal role in:
- **De novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway**: In this pathway, UMPS is crucial for transforming orotic acid to UMP.
- **Nucleotide metabolism**: The gene's function contributes to cytosine and thymidine nucleotide synthesis, which is vital for DNA and RNA.
- **Cellular proliferation and growth**: Adequate pyrimidine nucleotide levels are essential for cell division and growth.

In summary, the UMPS gene is integral for the biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides, linking it to various metabolic and cellular functions that may influence aging and development of metabolic disorders. Further research may provide insights into its role in age-related diseases and therapeutic development.