### EML4 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** EML4  
**Location:** Chromosome 2  
**Gene Family:** Echinoderm Microtubule Associated Protein-Like (EMAP) Family

#### 1. Associated Genes
In addition to its known fusion with the **ALK** (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) gene in non-small cell lung cancer, other genes that interact with or are associated with EML4 include:
- **NUDC**: NudC is essential for proper localization and stability of microtubules, with a known role in mitotic progression.
- **TP53**: P53 is involved in DNA damage response and could interact with EML4's role in cell cycle regulation in the context of tumors.
- **CCNB1** (Cyclin B1): Potential interaction in cell cycle regulation during mitosis.
- **AURKA** (Aurora Kinase A): Involved in the regulation of mitosis and may interact with EML4 at the spindle.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While direct implications of EML4 in aging or age-related diseases are not extensively characterized, its role in microtubule dynamics and cell division suggests that abnormalities could relate to:
- **Cancer**: Age is a significant risk factor for cancer. The EML4-ALK fusion contributes to tumorigenesis in aging populations exposed to carcinogenic factors.
- **Neurological Diseases**: Given its role in microtubule stability and the transport processes in neurons, aberrations in EML4 might also be implicated in neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer's disease, although direct evidence is limited.

#### 3. Drugs and Drug Classes
While specific drugs directly targeting EML4 or its protein products are not well defined, the following relevant interactions may arise:
- **ALK Inhibitors**: Drugs such as **Crizotinib**, **Ceritinib**, and **Alectinib** target the ALK fusion protein generated from EML4-ALK, effectively treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring this fusion.
- **Chemotherapeutic Agents**: Agents that target microtubules, such as **Paclitaxel** and **Vincristine**, may indirectly affect EML4 function through their roles in destabilizing or stabilizing microtubule structures, although they are not specific to EML4.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
EML4 is involved in several important biological processes:
- **Microtubule Organization**: EML4 plays a critical role in the formation and stability of microtubules, essential for cellular infrastructure and signaling.
- **Mitotic Spindle Organization**: It is vital for proper formation of the mitotic spindle during cell division.
- **Kinetochore Attachment**: EML4 is crucial for ensuring proper attachment of kinetochores to microtubules, facilitating accurate chromosome segregation.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: By influencing microtubule dynamics, EML4 contributes to the overall regulation of the cell cycle, impacting cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.

Overall, EML4 has a significant role in both normal cellular functions and in the pathology of certain cancers, demonstrating its importance in cellular homeostasis and tumor biology. Further research may elucidate more about its potential role in aging and other diseases.