### ACTA2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** ACTA2  
**Chromosomal Location:** 10q22.1  
**Protein:** Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)  
**Function:** The ACTA2 gene encodes smooth muscle actin, a protein that plays a crucial role in the structure and function of smooth muscle tissues, particularly in blood vessels.

### Associated Genes
While the NCBI and UniProt summaries provide a comprehensive overview, some additional genes that have been associated with ACTA2 in studies on vascular diseases and smooth muscle function include:

1. **MYH11 (Myosin Heavy Chain 11)** - Involved in smooth muscle contraction and can be impacted in cardiovascular conditions.
2. **COL3A1 (Collagen Type III Alpha 1 Chain)** - Mutations can affect vascular structure and integrity, often related to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
3. **TPM2 (Tropomyosin 2)** - Plays a role in the stabilization of actin filaments, impacting muscle contraction mechanisms.
4. **SMTN (Syntrophin, Alpha)** - Engages in signaling pathways related to muscle contraction and cellular integrity. 

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research indicates potential links between ACTA2 mutations and aging or age-related conditions, including:

- **Aortic Aneurysms**: Mutations in ACTA2 are associated with increased susceptibility to thoracic aortic aneurysms, which can present or worsen with age.
- **Vascular Aging**: The expression of smooth muscle actin can change over time due to various factors including oxidative stress, leading to vascular stiffness.
- **Cardiovascular Diseases**: There is an association between altered ACTA2 expression and age-related cardiovascular diseases, such as arterial stiffness and hypertension.

### Known Drug Interactions
While there are no specific drugs that directly target the ACTA2 gene product, the smooth muscle actin protein is indirectly related to several drug classes that modulate smooth muscle activity:

1. **Antihypertensives**: Calcium channel blockers and other antihypertensive medications can indirectly influence the function of smooth muscle actin by relaxing smooth muscle in blood vessels.
2. **Vasodilators**: Drugs like nitroglycerin act on smooth muscle and may indirectly affect the response of smooth muscle actin during vascular relaxation.
3. **Statins**: Not directly acting on the ACTA2 product, but they can impact smooth muscle function and remodeling in cardiovascular disease contexts.

### Pathways and Biological Processes
ACTA2 is involved in various cellular pathways and biological processes, including:

1. **Smooth Muscle Contraction**: ACTA2 plays a pivotal role in the contraction mechanism of smooth muscle cells.
2. **Cell Motility and Adhesion**: Actins are essential for cytoskeletal organization, affecting cell migration and intercellular adhesion.
3. **Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis**: Involvement in the formation and remodeling of blood vessels.
4. **Regulation of Blood Pressure**: Directly contributes to the contractility of vascular smooth muscle, thereby influencing overall blood pressure.
5. **Cellular Stress Responses**: Modulates responses to external stresses, which can be crucial in conditions such as atherosclerosis.

### Summary
The ACTA2 gene is essential for smooth muscle function and vascular health. Understanding its interactions with other genes, associations with age-related conditions, and involvement in various biological pathways can provide insight into vascular diseases and potential therapeutic avenues.