### CEP68 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CEP68  
**Location:** The CEP68 gene is located on human chromosome 1q21.3.  

**Function:** CEP68 encodes a protein that is essential for the cohesion of centrioles, a key component of the centrosome which plays an integral role in cell division and maintaining proper cellular organization. The protein also facilitates the localization of CDK5RAP2 to the centrosome during interphase and is involved in the formation of rootletin-filament structures in the cellular context.

### 1. Associated Genes

CEP68 has been associated with several genes that are critical in centriole biology and related cell processes, including but not limited to:

- **CDK5RAP2:** Involved in microtubule organization and centrosome function.
- **CROCC:** Functions in centriole assembly and stabilization.
- **TUBG1:** A key player in microtubule organization.
- **PLK4:** Has a significant role in centriole duplication.
- **PAXIP1:** Involved in DNA repair and maintains genome integrity.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While specific associations of CEP68 with aging or age-related diseases are not extensively documented, centriolar and centrosomal dysfunction has been linked to various aging-related cellular processes, including:

- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Abnormalities in centriole function may contribute to cellular senescence and apoptosis, processes observed in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
- **Cancer:** Given that proper centriole cohesion is critical for accurate cell division, dysregulation can lead to chromosomal instability, a hallmark of many age-related cancers.

Research suggests that maintaining normal centriole function through proteins like CEP68 could be important in preventing age-related pathologies.

### 3. Drug Interactions

Currently, specific pharmaceutical interactions with the CEP68 gene or protein are not well-characterized in existing databases. However, given its role in centriole cohesion and cell cycle regulation, potential implications for drugs that affect cell division, like:

- **Chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., taxanes, vincristine):** These target microtubule dynamics and may indirectly influence the functions of proteins involved with centrosomes, including CEP68.
  
Further research is required to delineate specific drug interactions with CEP68.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

CEP68 is involved in:

- **Centrosome Cycle:** CEP68 plays a key role in maintaining the structural integrity and cohesion of centrioles throughout the cell cycle.
- **Centriole Biogenesis:** It is implicated in the assembly and stability of centriolar structures.
- **Cellular Localization:** Facilitates the proper localization of proteins like CDK5RAP2 to the centrosome, which is crucial for microtubule dynamics.
- **Regulation of Protein Binding:** The protein exhibits specific binding activities that may influence various signaling pathways.

Overall, CEP68 is a critical player in ensuring the structural and functional stability of the centrosome, directly impacting cellular division and organization processes. Further research into its interactions and roles could lead to insights into its broader implications, especially concerning aging and disease pathophysiology.