### CUL9 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CUL9  
**Location:** Chromosome 10 (10q24.2), Human  
**Function:** The CUL9 gene encodes a protein that serves as a core component of a cullin-RING ubiquitin-protein ligase complex involved in various cellular processes, including the regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton and protein ubiquitination. 

### Other Genes Associated with CUL9
While the NCBI and UniProt summaries provide a good starting point, additional genes known to be associated with CUL9 include:

- **BIRC5 (Survivin):** Directly targeted by CUL9 for ubiquitination and degradation.
- **TP53 (p53):** The CUL9 protein is involved in regulating the localization and function of p53.
- **HECTD3:** A protein that has been shown to interact with CUL9.
- **FOXO3:** Another gene associated with the regulation of cellular functions modulated by CUL9.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The CUL9 gene has been implicated in several aspects related to aging and age-related diseases:

- **Genome Integrity:** CUL9 is crucial for maintaining genome integrity, which can be compromised in aging cells leading to age-related degenerative diseases.
- **Cancer:** Given its role in regulating apoptosis and cell division through BIRC5, alterations in CUL9 function may contribute to the development and progression of various cancers as individuals age.
- **Neurodegeneration:** Some studies suggest that dysfunctional ubiquitin-proteasome pathways, in which CUL9 plays a part, are linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and Huntington's disease.

### Drug Interactions
Currently, there are few targeted drugs directly interacting with CUL9; however, research into drugs that modulate ubiquitin-proteasome pathways may indirectly affect CUL9 activity. Classes of drugs that could interact with pathways involving CUL9 include:

- **Proteasome Inhibitors:** These drugs can affect ubiquitin-proteasome pathways, potentially influencing the activity of CUL9.
- **Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACs):** Some studies indicate the involvement of cullin-RING ligases in the action of HDAC inhibitors, which can indirectly imply interactions with proteins formed or regulated by the CUL9 gene.

### Pathways and Biological Processes 
The CUL9 gene is involved in several biological pathways and processes, including:

- **Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway:** CUL9 is part of the ubiquitin-protein ligase complex, which is essential for targeted protein degradation.
- **Microtubule Dynamics:** Involved in the organization and maintenance of the microtubule cytoskeleton, which is essential for cell division and intracellular transport.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** CUL9 is implicated in regulating mitotic nuclear division, particularly in the context of maintaining chromosomal integrity during cell division.
- **Apoptosis:** Through regulation of BIRC5, CUL9 can influence apoptotic pathways, contributing to the balance between cell survival and cell death.

### Summary
The CUL9 gene encodes a multifaceted protein that plays a critical role in cellular processes like microtubule organization, apoptosis, and maintaining genome integrity. Its associations with aging, cancer, and cellular signaling pathways underscore the importance of further research into this gene's implications in health and disease.