### CENPQ Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CENPQ  
**Function:** CENPQ is a vital component of the CENPA-CAD complex, which is essential for the assembly of kinetochore proteins, as well as proper mitotic progression and chromosome segregation during cell division.

### 1. Associated Genes
CENPQ is particularly associated with the following genes: 
- **CENPA:** This gene encodes the centromere protein A, which is crucial for centromere function and the assembly of the kinetochore.
- **CENPC, CENPE, CENPO, CENPP, CENPU:** These genes co-encode other components of the CENP-O complex, which is involved in kinetochore function.
- **PLK1 (Polo-like kinase 1):** This gene is involved in several stages of cell division and may interact with CENPQ in the context of cell cycle regulation.
- **CENPT:** Also part of the centromere and kinetochore machinery, this gene may interact with CENPQ.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific studies directly linking CENPQ to aging or age-related diseases are limited, general implications can be drawn from its role in cell division and genomic stability. Disruptions in kinetochore function, which may be caused by mutations or dysregulation of genes like CENPQ, are known to lead to aneuploidy and chromosomal instability—a hallmark of cancer and age-related diseases. 

Moreover, defects in the mechanisms of chromosome segregation are implicated in age-associated conditions, such as:
- **Cancer:** Aberrant cell division due to kinetochore dysfunction can contribute to tumorigenesis.
- **Neurodegeneration:** Aging cells are prone to errors in mitosis, and improper chromosome segregation may play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs directly targeting CENPQ are not commonly identified in the literature, due to its role in the cell cycle and kinetochore dynamics, the following drug classes may have a relevant effect or could potentially interact indirectly:
- **Antineoplastic Agents (Chemotherapy drugs):** These agents often target rapidly dividing cells and may affect genes involved in cellular division and chromosomal stability, potentially including CENPQ.
- **Aurora Kinase Inhibitors:** Given CENPQ's involvement in mitotic processes, inhibitors of components that modulate the cell cycle may affect its function.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CENPQ is involved in several key biological processes and pathways, including:
- **Kinetochore Assembly:** Facilitates the recruitment of other centromere proteins necessary for proper kinetochore function.
- **Chromosome Segregation:** Plays a role during mitosis, ensuring accurate distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** May interact indirectly with proteins that regulate cell cycle progression, such as PLK1.
- **Nucleosome Assembly:** Assists in the incorporation of CENPA into the centromere, a critical step for maintaining chromosome integrity during cell division.

### Conclusion
CENPQ is a critical player in centromere dynamics and kinetochore function, intrinsically linked to the fidelity of chromosome segregation. Although direct connections to drug interactions and age-related diseases require further research, its essential role in the cell cycle places it at the crossroads of several vital biological processes.