### S100A4 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** S100A4  
**Gene Description:** The S100A4 gene encodes a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, characterized by the presence of EF-hand motifs that facilitate calcium ion binding. Members of this family are mainly localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus and participate in a plethora of biological processes, including cell cycle regulation, differentiation, motility, and apoptosis.

### 1. Associated Genes
S100A4 has been associated with several other genes, particularly those involved in signaling, cell migration, and tumor-related pathways:
- **TP53:** S100A4 interacts with the tumor suppressor protein p53, modulating its pro-apoptotic functions.
- **MYH9 (Non-muscle myosin heavy chain IIA):** Interacts directly to enhance motility and invasiveness.
- **CCL24:** A chemokine that is influenced by S100A4’s ability to stimulate T-lymphocyte cytokine production.
- **CCR5 and CXCR3:** Receptors involved in T-lymphocyte migration modulated by S100A4.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
- **Cancer Metastasis:** S100A4 has been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, particularly in aggressive types like breast and lung cancer. The dysregulation of S100A4 has been associated with increased metastatic potential, which is often a significant concern in aging populations.
- **Aging-Related Inflammation:** S100A4 may play a role in chronic inflammation, which is often observed in aging and age-related diseases.
- **Clinical Studies:** Elevated levels of S100A4 have been noted in the serum of older adults with specific age-related conditions, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression in geriatric patients.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While there are no specific drugs exclusively targeting S100A4, several classes of drugs may interact or influence the pathways where S100A4 is active:
- **Chemotherapeutic Agents:** Drugs targeting pathways relevant to cancer (e.g., doxorubicin) may indirectly affect S100A4 levels and activity.
- **Immune Modulators:** Compounds that modulate immune response might interact with S100A4, especially in the context of T-lymphocyte activity.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
S100A4 is involved in several key biological pathways and processes:
- **Calcium Signaling Pathway:** As a calcium-binding protein, S100A4 is integral to calcium signaling mechanisms.
- **Cell Motility and Invasion:** Facilitates cytoskeletal reorganization necessary for cell migration and cancer cell invasiveness.
- **Angiogenesis:** Plays a role in new blood vessel formation, which is critical for tumor growth and metastasis.
- **Apoptosis and Cell Survival:** Interacts with TP53 and components of the apoptotic machinery to influence cell survival rates.
- **Immune Response:** Modulates cytokine production and lymphocyte chemotaxis, contributing to the immune response dynamics.

In summary, S100A4 is a multifunctional gene with a significant role in cancer biology and cellular signaling. Its expression is tightly regulated, and it has implications in aging and age-associated diseases, while its involvement in various signaling pathways marks it as an important player in health and disease.