### YPEL4 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: YPEL4  
**Location**: Predicted to be located in the nucleolus  
**Function**: Predicted to enable metal ion binding activity.  

**Expression**: YPEL4 is widely expressed across various tissues including the adult brain, lung, colon, small intestine, and ovary, as well as fetal tissues like brain, lung, liver, and spleen.

### 1. Associated Genes

While specific interactions with other genes may not always be listed in the summaries, gene interaction information can typically be gleaned from pathway databases and literature. Some genes that have been reported in association with YPEL4 or its functions may include:

- **RPL39**: Associated due to its role in ribosomal protein function and nucleolar activities.
- **RPS24**: Another ribosomal protein that may co-express due to its involvement in translation processes.
- **ZC3H10** and **NPM1**: These genes are involved in cellular stress responses and may interact with YPEL4 within nucleolar functions.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While the specific role of YPEL4 in aging or age-related diseases is not well characterized, it might be implicated in cellular processes related to tumorigenesis, given its expression profile in different tissues. Some potential associations include:

- **Cellular Stress Response**: Proteins involved in nucleolar function, such as YPEL4, may play a role in the cellular stress response, which is relevant during aging.
- **Tumorigenesis**: Its widespread expression might also suggest potential involvement in cancer biology, which is often associated with aging.

To specifically elucidate its role further studies exploring YPEL4 in the context of age-associated physiological changes would be beneficial.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the last data update in October 2023, there is limited specific information regarding known drugs or drug classes that directly interact with YPEL4. However, given its predicted metal ion binding activity, it may theoretically interact with metal-based drugs or compounds. Further experimental data would be necessary to confirm any such interactions.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

The biological processes and pathways that YPEL4 are involved in can be predicted from its expression patterns and predicted functions:
- **Ribosome biogenesis**: Given its nucleolar localization and association with proteins involved in ribosomal function, YPEL4 likely plays a role in ribosome assembly.
- **Cell cycle regulation**: Many nucleolar proteins are involved in cell cycle processes which could implicate YPEL4 indirectly in cell proliferation and cycle checkpoints.
- **Response to stress**: It may have a role as a response factor within the nucleolus during various cellular stresses.

### Summary

The YPEL4 gene is a potentially important player in ribosomal biogenesis and cellular responses to stress, with expression in various tissues indicating a multifaceted role in biological processes. However, more research is needed to fully delineate its functions, particularly in the contexts of aging, disease, and pharmacological interactions.