### PSMB2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** PSMB2  
**Location:** Human chromosome 1p36.33  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding gene

### Summary of Functionality
The PSMB2 gene encodes a beta subunit of the 20S core proteasome, integral to the protein degradation pathway within the cell. This gene is involved in the non-lysosomal ATP/ubiquitin-dependent pathways that maintain protein homeostasis by degrading damaged, misfolded, or unneeded proteins. The PSMB2-encoded protein is part of the proteasome complex, which also comprises alpha and other beta subunits and associates with various regulatory particles like the 19S and complexes like PA200 and PA28.

### 1. Associated Genes
While specific associated genes might not be explicitly listed in the summaries, the PSMB2 gene is functionally related to other components of the proteasome complex:
- **PSMA1-PSMA7:** Alpha subunits of the 20S proteasome.
- **PSMB1, PSMB3, PSMB4, PSMB5, PSMB6, PSMB7:** Other beta subunits involved in the formation of the core proteasome.
- **PSMD1-PSMD14:** Subunits of the 19S regulatory particle.
- **PA200 (PARK7):** Regulatory subunit associated with ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The PSMB2 gene has been implicated in various processes related to aging and age-associated diseases such as:
- **Age-related Cellular Dysfunction:** Impairment in proteasome activity can lead to cellular aging and a build-up of damaged proteins, contributing to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions.
- **Involvement in Cancer:** Altered proteasomal function due to mutations or dysfunction in PSMB2 and other proteasome components has been associated with cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance.

### 3. Interactions with Drugs
The PSMB2 gene and its protein product may interact with various drugs, especially within contexts of cancer therapy. Some known drug classes and specific drugs that are associated with the proteasome include:
- **Proteasome Inhibitors:**  
   - **Bortezomib:** Used primarily in multiple myeloma treatment; inhibits the 26S proteasome.
   - **Carfilzomib:** Another proteasome inhibitor used in multiple myeloma.
   - **Ixazomib:** An oral proteasome inhibitor also for multiple myeloma.

- **Immunomodulatory Drugs:** These modulate the immune response and may influence proteasome activity indirectly.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
The PSMB2 gene is involved in several critical biological pathways and processes, including:
- **Proteasome Pathway:** Core component of the proteasome complex involved in protein degradation.
- **Antigen Processing and Presentation:** Plays a role in generating peptides for MHC class I molecules.
- **Regulation of Apoptosis:** Involved in the degradation of pro-apoptotic factors, thus influencing programmed cell death.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Contributes to the degradation of cell cycle-related proteins, influencing cell cycle progression.
- **Stress Response:** Plays a role in the degradation of misfolded proteins in response to cellular stress.

### Conclusion
The PSMB2 gene plays a central role in protein degradation and is crucial for cellular homeostasis. Its dysfunction or altered function is linked to aging, cancer, and response to various therapies, making it a significant focus of ongoing biomedical research.