### EPHX4 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** EPHX4  
**Function:** The EPHX4 gene encodes a protein that is predicted to function as a hydrolase, specifically belonging to the epoxide hydrolase family within the AB hydrolase superfamily. It is projected to be an integral component of the membrane, suggesting its involvement in cellular signaling and metabolism.

### 1. Associated Genes

While specific relationships or associations are not provided in the initial summaries, EPHX4 may interact or be studied alongside other epoxide hydrolases and genes involved in similar metabolic pathways. Other genes related to the epoxide metabolism family include:

- **EPHX1**: Epoxide hydrolase 1, which metabolizes epoxides and plays a role in drug metabolism.
- **EPHX2**: Epoxide hydrolase 2, which also contributes to the detoxification of epoxides and is involved in various signaling pathways.
- **CYP2B6**: Cytochrome P450 family member that plays a role in drug metabolism and may interact with epoxide hydrolases in detoxification pathways.
- **CYP1A1**: Another cytochrome P450 enzyme involved in xenobiotic metabolism that could be linked to EPHX4 through shared metabolic routes.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Research regarding EPHX4 specifically in the context of aging or age-related diseases is limited compared to other well-characterized genes. However, as a member of the epoxide hydrolase family, it may be involved in processes that affect cellular oxidative stress, inflammation, and detoxification, all of which are crucial factors in aging and related diseases such as:

- **Cardiovascular diseases**: Due to its role in metabolism of epoxides and fatty acids, EPHX4 may be implicated in cardiovascular health.
- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: The metabolic products by hydrolases could influence pathways relevant to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
  
Continued research may reveal more explicit links between EPHX4 and age-related pathologies.

### 3. Known Drug Interactions

The EPHX4 gene, particularly its protein product, may interact with various drug classes, mainly those associated with the modulation of epoxide and fatty acid metabolism. While specific drugs might not be explicitly documented at this time, potential drug classes that could interact include:

- **NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)**: These often undergo metabolism by pathways involving epoxide hydrolases.
- **Antihypertensive drugs**: Some may interfere with or be processed through pathways involving EPHX enzymes.
- **Chemotherapeutic agents**: Metabolism and detoxification of certain drugs might involve EPHX4 activity.

Further experimental work would be needed to identify explicit drug interactions.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

EPHX4 is involved in several key biological processes and pathways, including but not limited to:

- **Detoxification Pathways**: As an enzyme that hydrolyzes epoxides, EPHX4 plays a crucial role in detoxifying potentially harmful metabolites.
- **Fatty Acid Metabolism**: EPHX4 may be involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, particularly in the conversion of epoxides to diols, impacting energy homeostasis.
- **Inflammation**: By modulating metabolite availability and activity, EPHX4 can influence inflammatory responses, which are pertinent to various diseases.

### Conclusion

The EPHX4 gene is a promising focus for further studies given its role in metabolism, detoxification, and possible implications in aging and various diseases. While knowledge about its specific interactions and roles is still developing, understanding its functional landscape may yield insights into therapeutic targets for conditions linked to the metabolism of epoxides and other small molecules.