### Gene Overview: CEP164

**Gene Symbol:** CEP164  
**Location:** Human Chromosome 6  
**Functional Summary:** The CEP164 gene encodes a centrosomal protein that plays critical roles in microtubule organization, formation of primary cilia, DNA damage response, and chromosome segregation. It specifically localizes to mature centrioles and is essential for the assembly of primary cilia, which are vital for various cellular signaling processes. Additionally, CEP164 is implicated in cell cycle regulation, particularly during the G2/M checkpoint, and is involved in maintaining genomic stability through its functions in DNA damage response.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the provided summaries mention key roles of CEP164 in relation to other proteins (like H2AX, RPA, CHEK2, and CHEK1), there are other genes that may be indirectly or directly associated with CEP164 due to their involvement in similar pathways or processes. These include:
- **MDC1:** Involved in the DNA damage response and interacts with proteins during the signaling cascade.
- **TRIP13:** Related to the regulation of checkpoint mechanisms during the cell cycle.
- **BUB1B:** Participates in chromosome segregation during mitosis.
- **KIF2A:** Involved in microtubule dynamics.
- **PTEN:** A tumor suppressor that affects cell cycle regulation and genomic stability.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Defects in the CEP164 gene are associated with nephronophthisis-related ciliopathies, which are characterized by kidney dysfunction, but its role in DNA damage response also implicates it in processes related to aging. Specifically:
- **Cellular Senescence:** Cilia on aging cells can affect cell signaling pathways and cellular senescence.
- **Aging and Cancer:** Since CEP164 is involved in maintaining genomic stability, mutations can result in increased susceptibility to age-related diseases, particularly cancer.
- **Nephronophthisis:** Age-related decline in kidney function may also be linked to the dysfunctions stemming from CEP164 defects.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs directly linked to CEP164 in widely available drug databases. However, since CEP164 is involved in critical processes like DNA damage response, drugs that target the broader DNA repair pathways (like PARP inhibitors) could be of interest in the context of diseases associated with dysfunctions in this gene.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CEP164 is involved in several important biological pathways, including:
- **DNA Damage Response Pathway:** Involvement in the activation and signaling of ATM/ATR pathways.
- **Ciliogenesis:** Required for the formation and maintenance of primary cilia, affecting signaling pathways involved in developmental processes and tissue homeostasis.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Particularly essential for the G2/M checkpoint in the cell cycle.
- **Chromosome Segregation:** Involves ensuring proper microtubule organization and interaction with kinetochore proteins during cell division.

CEP164 also participates in:
- **Cellular Development Processes:** Related to the growth and function of cilia in various cell types.
- **Microtubule Organization:** Essential for maintaining cell shape and intracellular transport processes.
- **Genomic Stability Maintenance:** Through its mediatory roles in signaling for DNA damage repair. 

In summary, CEP164 is an important gene with multifaceted roles in cellular structure, genomic stability, and responses to cellular stress, particularly in the context of cilia and cell division. Its associations with various related genes, potential implications in aging and disease, as well as its involvement in key biological processes make it a significant target for further research.