### Gene Summary: PARVA

**Gene Symbol**: PARVA  
**Function**: The PARVA gene encodes parvin, a member of the parvin family of actin-binding proteins. These proteins are implicated in processes involving cell adhesion, motility, and survival. The encoded protein contains calponin homology domains that are known to bind to actin filaments and is involved in the integrin-linked kinase signaling complex.

### 1. Associated Genes
While specific associations can vary between different biological contexts and studies, PARVA has been shown to interact with several other proteins involved in cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesion, and signaling pathways:

- **ITGB1 (Integrin beta-1)**: Participates in cell adhesion and signaling.
- **ILK (Integrin-linked kinase)**: Integral to the formation of focal adhesions and actin regulation.
- **ACTB (Beta-actin)**: Plays a critical role in maintaining the cytoskeleton.
- **CAV1 (Caveolin-1)**: Involved in the organization of lipid rafts and cellular signaling.
- **VCL (Vinculin)**: Important for linking integrin to the cytoskeleton.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Current research on PARVA in the context of aging and age-related diseases is still developing, but some relevant aspects include:

- **Cardiovascular Aging**: Given PARVA's role in cardiac development and function, perturbations in PARVA expression or function may contribute to age-related cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure or atherosclerosis.
- **Angiogenesis**: Dysregulation of angiogenesis processes in aging can be connected to various age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and impaired wound healing.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While there are no specific drugs listed that directly target PARVA, its role in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion suggests it might be of interest in the development of therapeutics for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. For instance:

- **Targeted cancer therapies**: Drugs that affect integrin signaling or cytoskeletal reorganization might indirectly influence PARVA function.
- **Statins and other cardiovascular drugs**: These may impact cellular processes related to adhesion and motility.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PARVA is involved in several essential pathways and biological processes:

- **Focal Adhesion**: Integrates cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stabilizes cell adhesion.
- **Sarcomere Organization**: Important for muscle contraction and structural integrity of muscle fibers.
- **Cell Motility and Migration**: Facilitates changes in the actin cytoskeleton that are critical for directed movement.
- **Vascular Development**: Plays a central role in angiogenesis and the formation of mature blood vessels.
- **Actin Cytoskeletal Reorganization**: Involves the formation of cell protrusions like lamellipodia, essential for cell spreading and invasion.
- **Ciliogenesis**: Involved in the formation of cilia, which play vital roles in signaling and cellular sensing.

In summary, the PARVA gene encodes a crucial protein involved in various biological processes related to cell mechanics, structure, and signaling pathways, with implications in cardiovascular health, cell adhesion, and potentially in aging-related mechanisms. Further research is needed to fully elucidate its role in these areas, especially in relation to therapeutic targets.