The DEPTOR gene encodes a protein that is an important negative regulator of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, specifically mTORC1 and mTORC2. Here is a more detailed overview based on your request:

### 1. Associated Genes:
DEPTOR has been studied in relation to various other genes and pathways involved in the mTOR signaling cascade. Some of these include:

- **mTOR** (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin): directly interacts with DEPTOR.
- **AKT**: Participates in the regulation of mTOR signaling.
- **TSC1** and **TSC2**: These genes are part of the TSC complex, which is involved in mTOR signaling regulation and may indirectly interact with DEPTOR through signaling pathways involved in growth and metabolism.
- **RAPTOR**: A component of the mTORC1 complex that can also be regulated by DEPTOR.
- **Rictor**: A component of mTORC2, also involved in DEPTOR's regulatory functions.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases:
DEPTOR is implicated in cellular processes that have relevance to aging and age-related diseases, particularly due to its role in regulating mTOR signaling. The mTOR pathway is known to influence cellular growth, metabolism, and longevity:

- **Aging**: Alterations in mTOR signaling have been linked to the aging process. DEPTOR's inhibition of mTOR may contribute to reduced cellular growth signaling, impacting cell proliferation and potentially prolonging lifespan in some model organisms.
- **Age-related diseases**: Research suggests that DEPTOR may play a role in the development of age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's disease), cancer, and metabolic disorders. By modulating mTOR activity, DEPTOR might influence pathways related to these diseases.

### 3. Drug Interactions:
Although DEPTOR itself is not a drug target, it is positioned within the mTOR signaling pathway, which is the target of several pharmacological agents:

- **Rapamycin**: An mTOR inhibitor that might interact with DEPTOR indirectly by alleviating negative regulation of mTOR signaling pathways.
- **Everolimus**: Another mTOR inhibitor that could have downstream effects on DEPTOR's regulatory role.
- **Metformin**: While primarily a diabetes medication, it also affects mTOR signaling and may influence DEPTOR's role in metabolic regulation.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes:
DEPTOR is involved in several key biological processes and pathways, including but not limited to:

- **mTOR signaling pathway**: As a negative regulator within both mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes, DEPTOR plays a crucial role in modulating cellular responses to nutrients and growth factors.
- **Regulation of cellular size**: DEPTOR impacts the growth of cells by attenuating excessive cell size increase via mTOR signaling.
- **Cell cycle regulation**: By influencing mTOR activity, DEPTOR has implications in cell cycle progression and may affect cellular senescence.
- **Response to stress**: DEPTOR is involved in cellular responses to various stress conditions, including nutrient deprivation and hypoxia.

### Summary
DEPTOR serves as a critical regulator of the mTOR signaling pathways, linking cellular growth and metabolism with broader implications for aging and age-related diseases, as well as interactions with various pharmacological agents targeted at mTOR. Its association with key growth regulators further underlines its significance in understanding complex biological processes.