### AMBRA1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: AMBRA1  
**Location**: Chromosome 5q14.3  
**Function**: The AMBRA1 gene encodes a protein that functions as a substrate-recognition component of a DCX (DDB1-CUL4-X-box) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex. It plays critical roles in cell cycle control, autophagy, and the regulation of tumor suppressor activities, particularly through modulation of cyclin D proteins and MYC.

### Associated Genes:
In addition to the genes mentioned in the summaries (such as BECN1, CCND1, CCND2, CCND3, ELOC, ULK1), AMBRA1 may also be associated with:
- **FOXO3** – Involvement in Treg differentiation.
- **PTK2/FAK** – Potential regulation of intracellular trafficking.
- **TRAF6** – Involved in mediating lysine-63 ubiquitination of ULK1.
- **HUWE1** – Acts as a cofactor for promoting ubiquitination of MFN2.
  
Other related genes may include those that are involved in autophagy processes and signaling pathways, such as mTOR and AMPK pathways.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases:
- AMBRA1 is considered a **biomarker of multiple system atrophy**, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor control.
- Its regulation of autophagy is significant in aging, as impaired autophagic activity has been linked to age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions, cancer, and muscle degeneration.
- AMBRA1's role as a tumor suppressor presents implications for aging, as genomic integrity during cell division is crucial for preventing age-related cancers.
- Dysregulation of AMBRA1 may contribute to cellular senescence and the accumulation of dysfunctional organelles such as damaged mitochondria, exacerbating age-related pathologies.

### Drug Interactions:
As of now, there are no specific drugs or drug classes that have been definitively proven to interact with AMBRA1. However, given its role in autophagy and cancer, investigational agents targeting pathways such as mTOR inhibitors (e.g., rapamycin) or drugs that modulate ubiquitination might indirectly influence AMBRA1's function and activity in relevant cellular contexts.

### Pathways and Biological Processes:
AMBRA1 is involved in several crucial biological pathways and processes, including:
- **Autophagy**: Key regulator of the autophagic process; mediates ubiquitination and promotes interactions of BECN1 with PIK3C3.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Essential for the G1 to S phase transition by promoting degradation of cyclins through the DCX(AMBRA1) complex.
- **Mitophagy**: Activates turnover of damaged mitochondria via interactions with PRKN and LC3 proteins.
- **Immune Response**: Involved in the differentiation of regulatory T cells by regulating FOXO3.
- **Signal Transduction**: Controls protein localization and signaling pathways involving FAK and SRC.
- **Transcription Regulation**: Acts as a scaffold for protein complexes at chromatin.

In summary, AMBRA1 plays an essential role in multiple cellular processes, contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, the regulation of the cell cycle, and the promotion of autophagy, which are all critical in the context of aging and age-related diseases.