**KAT2A Gene Overview:**

Gene Symbol: **KAT2A**  
Location: **Chromosome 17** (17p13.1)  
Protein Function: KAT2A encodes a lysine acyltransferase that plays a crucial role in post-translational modification of histones and other proteins, impacting gene expression and various cellular processes.

**Key Functions:**
- Acts as a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and can also function as a succinyltransferase, glutaryltransferase, and malonyltransferase, depending on the cellular context.
- **Histone Modification**: 
  - Acetylates histone H3 at 'Lys-9' (H3K9ac) and 'Lys-79' (H3K79succ).
  - Glutarylates histone H4 at 'Lys-91' (H4K91glu).
- Promotes gene expression through various regulatory mechanisms linked to histone acetylation and succinylation.
- Involved in T-cell activation and memory consolidation through post-translational modifications of histones.

**Associated Genes:**
KAT2A is associated with various genes involved in developmental, signaling, and metabolic pathways, including:
- **NFATC2**: Involved in T-cell receptor signaling.
- **CEBPB** and **PPARGC1A**: Non-histone proteins targeted by KAT2A for acetylation.
- **TBX5**: A transcription factor involved in heart and limb development.
- **PLK4**: Regulates centrosome amplification.

(Note: The specific associations with other genes may vary based on cellular contexts, experimental conditions, and research findings. More detailed studies are necessary for an exhaustive list.)

**Aging and Age-Related Diseases:**
- KAT2A has been implicated in pathways that affect neurodegenerative diseases. Alterations in histone acetylation associated with KAT2A may contribute to the epigenetic changes observed in aging and diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.
- The gene also participates in processes related to metabolic regulation. Dysfunctions in these pathways can influence age-related metabolic disorders, including diabetes.
- KAT2A regulation of cellular plasticity and differentiation in embryonic stem cells may have broader implications for aging and regenerative capacity.

**Drug Interactions:**
- Specific drugs or classes of drugs that interact with KAT2A are not well-documented in the literature as of the last training cut-off in October 2023. However, it is known that:
  - Pharmacological modulators of histone acetylation, like HDAC inhibitors (e.g., vorinostat, romidepsin), might indirectly influence KAT2A activity by modulating the balance of histone acetylation in a cellular context.
- Some research suggests potential for targeting KAT2A in cancer therapy or neuroprotective strategies, but specific agents are still under investigation.

**Pathways and Biological Processes:**
KAT2A is involved in several key pathways and biological processes:
- **Histone Acetylation**: A crucial process for transcriptional activation, impacting gene expression at various levels.
- **Embryonic Development**: Participation in the development of craniofacial cartilage and bone.
- **T-cell Activation**: Critical for immune response modulation.
- **Memory and Learning**: Impacts synaptic plasticity and the consolidation of long-term memory through modulation of gene expression in the hippocampus.
- **Cellular Differentiation**: Regulation of stem cell pluripotency and transitioning toward differentiated states.

**Summary:**
KAT2A plays a multifaceted role in regulating gene expression and cell biology through its diverse acyltransferase activities, impacting various biological processes and potentially influencing aging and its associated pathologies. Further research may elucidate its full range of interactions, particularly concerning therapeutic targets for age-related conditions or other diseases.