### DCAF17 Gene Overview

#### Basic Information
- **Gene Symbol**: DCAF17 
- **Location**: This gene resides on chromosome 9, locus p21.3.
- **Function**: The DCAF17 gene encodes a nuclear transmembrane protein that is part of the cullin 4A/damaged DNA-binding protein 1 (DDB1) ubiquitin ligase complex. It plays a role as a substrate receptor for this E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex.

#### Known Associations
1. **Associated Genes**: 
   - DDB1 (Damaged DNA-Binding Protein 1)
   - CUL4A (Cullin 4A)
   - Other genes involved in ubiquitination and DNA repair, such as BTB/POZ domain-containing proteins, may also interact with DCAF17 indirectly.

2. **Woodhouse-Sakati Syndrome**: 
   - Mutations in DCAF17 are directly associated with Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms including alopecia, intellectual disability, and hypogonadism.

#### Aging and Age-Related Diseases
- While direct associations between DCAF17 and aging or age-related diseases are not extensively documented, the gene's involvement in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway indicates a potential role in cellular homeostasis and protein regulation, which are crucial in aging processes. Ubiquitination is a critical mechanism in the degradation of damaged and misfolded proteins, and dysregulation of this process could contribute to age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders.

#### Drug Interactions
- As of the last data update, specific drugs that directly target DCAF17 are not well-characterized. However, since DCAF17 is part of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, drugs that modulate this pathway (e.g., proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib) might have effects on the functions involving DCAF17 indirectly, due to their impact on protein degradation and cellular stress responses.

#### Pathways and Biological Processes
DCAF17 is involved in several biological processes:
- **Ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process**: DCAF17 plays a role in recognizing substrates for ubiquitination, facilitating their degradation via the proteasome.
- **DNA repair**: Through its association with DDB1 and CUL4A, DCAF17 is implicated in DNA damage response mechanisms, particularly in repairing damaged DNA.
- **Cell cycle regulation**: It may also contribute to processes related to cell growth and division, although more specific roles need further exploration.

#### Conclusion
DCAF17 is a multifunctional protein with significant implications in ubiquitination, DNA repair, and specific genetic syndromes. Its precise roles in aging and disease, as well as interactions with therapeutic agents, warrant further investigation. Understanding the full scope of DCAF17's functions could provide insights into its clinical significance, especially regarding age-related pathologies.