### USP24 Gene Summary

**Gene Name:** USP24  
**Gene Symbol:** USP24  
**Location:** Human chromosome 15q22.31  

**Protein:** The USP24 gene encodes a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family. This protein is an important component in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which plays a vital role in regulating protein degradation and post-translational modifications. 

USP24 is primarily known for modulating the stability of specific substrate proteins, thereby influencing various cellular processes. Notably, it has been implicated in:

- **Cell Survival:** USP24 regulates the cellular response to stress and apoptosis through interactions with proteins such as DDB2 (DNA damage-binding protein 2), MCL1 (myeloid cell leukemia 1), and TP53 (tumor protein p53).
- **Ferritinophagy:** This process involves the lysosomal degradation of ferritin, facilitating the release of free iron, which is crucial for various cellular pathways and iron homeostasis.

### 1. Associated Genes
While USP24 is known to interact with DDB2, MCL1, and TP53, other proteins and genes associated with USP24, either directly or indirectly, may include:

- **ATG7:** Associated with autophagy pathways.
- **FTH1 (Ferritin Heavy Chain 1):** Related to iron storage and ferritinophagy.
- **BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2):** Involved in cell survival and apoptosis regulatory pathways.
- **FOS:** A proto-oncogene that can be regulated through ubiquitin pathways.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research suggests that USP24 may be linked to cellular aging processes due to its roles in protein degradation and response to oxidative stress. 

- **Oxidative Stress Management:** USP24 may indirectly influence the aging process by modulating proteins that respond to oxidative stress.
- **Cancer:** Since TP53 is a critical tumor suppressor that regulates the cell cycle and apoptosis, dysregulation of USP24 could contribute to age-related cancers.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Its potential role in stabilizing proteins involved in neuronal survival suggests a mechanism whereby alterations in USP24 function could influence diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While there’s no extensive information on specific drugs targeting USP24 directly, related compounds affecting the ubiquitin-proteasome system, as well as certain anticancer drugs, may indirectly influence USP24's activity:

- **Proteasome Inhibitors:** Such as Bortezomib, which are used in treating multiple myeloma, may interact with the pathways USP24 modulates.
- **Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors:** Some compounds that alter epigenetic regulation can potentially affect the expression or function of USP24.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
USP24 is involved in various biological processes, including:

- **Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis:** A primary role in protein degradation pathways.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Influencing the degradation of proteins such as TP53.
- **Response to DNA Damage:** Stabilizing proteins that are pivotal in DNA repair processes via its interaction with DDB2.
- **Iron Homeostasis and Metabolism:** Through its role in ferritinophagy, it impacts cellular iron levels and metabolic processes linked to iron transport.

### Summary
The USP24 gene encodes a critical ubiquitin-specific protease involved in various cellular processes including cell survival, response to oxidative stress, and iron metabolism. Its interactions with other key proteins suggest roles in cancer and aging. Ongoing research continues to explore its potential therapeutic targets and implications in disease states.