### PPME1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: PPME1  
**Location**: Nucleus  
**Function**: Encodes protein phosphatase methylesterase that interacts with and acts on protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), specifically targeting its catalytic subunits PPP2CA and PPP2CB. Plays a critical role in modulating the ERK signaling pathway by dephosphorylating regulatory proteins and is implicated in the progression of malignant gliomas.

### 1. Associated Genes

PPME1 has associations with various genes and signaling pathways, including:
- **PPP2R1A**: A regulatory subunit of PP2A.
- **MAPK1 (ERK2)**: Involved in ERK signaling pathway.
- **AKT1**: Another key player in cell proliferation and survival pathways.
- **CDK1 and CDK2**: Cyclin-dependent kinases that are often regulated in cell cycle control.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While specific references to PPME1's direct association with aging are limited, protein phosphatases are critical in cellular processes related to aging, such as:
- **Cellular Senescence**: Altered PP2A activity has been linked to senescence.
- **Cancer**: Aberrant signaling in pathways involving PPME1 can contribute to tumorigenesis, particularly in age-related cancers (e.g., gliomas) as individuals age, reflecting the gene's potential implications in age-associated malignancies.

### 3. Drug Interactions

Currently, there are no specific drugs directly targeting PPME1 itself identified in the literature. However, given PPME1’s role in the PP2A signaling pathway, drugs that affect PP2A activity could indirectly influence PPME1 activity. Potential classes of drugs linked to PP2A and related pathways include:
- **Phosphatase Activators/Inhibitors**: Compounds designed to modulate phosphatase activity could indirectly impact PPME1’s role.
- **ERK Pathway Inhibitors**: Any agents targeting the MAPK/ERK pathway might intersect with the regulatory mechanisms involving PPME1.

### 4. Involved Pathways and Biological Processes

PPME1 is involved in several key biological pathways:
- **Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathway**: Critical for cell proliferation and differentiation.
- **Regulation of Protein Dephosphorylation**: Involves dynamic processes where phosphorylation status is critical for cellular function.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Regulates progression in cell cycle phases through interactions with cyclin-dependent kinases.
- **Signal Transduction**: Modulates pathways related to growth signals, survival, and cellular responses to environmental changes.
- **Malignant Transformation**: Involved in pathways contributing to oncogenesis, particularly in contexts of glioblastoma.

### Concluding Note

PPME1 serves as a central player in critical regulatory pathways, impacting both normal cellular functions and disease processes. Its interactions with PP2A and involvement in signaling pathways like the MAPK pathway highlight its importance not only in cancer biology but also potentially in aging mechanisms. Further research is essential to delineate all its functional interactions and therapeutic potentials.