### GMPS Gene Overview

The GMPS gene encodes GMP synthetase, an enzyme crucial for the conversion of xanthine monophosphate (XMP) to guanosine monophosphate (GMP), utilizing glutamine and ATP. This process is vital for purine nucleotide de novo synthesis, thereby playing a significant role in nucleic acid metabolism.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the primary genes mentioned in the conversion pathways are IMPD1 (IMP dehydrogenase) and GMPS, other genes associated with nucleic acid metabolism include:

- **ADSL (Adenylosuccinate lyase)**: Engaged in the purine nucleotide cycle.
- **GMPPA (GMP-activated proteinase)**: This gene may interact with or influence GMPS activity.
- **GLS (Glutaminase)**: As GMPS uses glutamine, GLS, which catalyzes the conversion of glutamine to glutamate, is relevant.
- **NME1 (NME/NM23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1)**: Involved in nucleotide metabolism and may indirectly influence GMPS activity.
  
### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

There is a growing body of research suggesting that dysregulation in nucleotide metabolism, including pathways involving GMPS, can be associated with age-related diseases such as:

- **Cancer**: Alterations in purine metabolism have been linked to various cancer types, potentially implicating GMPS in tumorigenesis through its role in synthesizing GMP.
- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Impairments in nucleotide metabolism may contribute to disorders like Alzheimer's disease due to disrupted cellular maintenance and repair.
- **Cardiovascular diseases**: Abnormalities in guanine nucleotide levels could influence heart function, potentially leading to conditions associated with aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions

While specific drug interactions for GMPS are less well-documented, certain classes of drugs that target nucleotide metabolism or affect related pathways could be relevant:

- **Antimetabolites**: Drugs like Mercaptopurine and Azathioprine inhibit purine metabolism and may affect GMPS activity indirectly.
- **Guanosine analogs**: Compounds such as Vidarabine, which impact guanine nucleotide synthesis, could interact indirectly with GMPS functionality.
  
However, it is essential to note that specific inhibitors or modifiers acting directly on GMPS have not been widely characterized as therapeutic agents.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

The GMPS gene is involved in several biochemical pathways and biological processes, including:

- **Purine metabolism**: Encapsulating both de novo and salvage pathways, where GMPS plays a key role in GMP synthesis.
- **Nucleotide biosynthesis**: Essential for synthesizing GMP, which is further phosphorylated to GDP and GTP.
- **Cellular signaling**: Due to its involvement in nucleotide synthesis, GMPS is indirectly important in signaling pathways reliant on ATP and GTP.
- **Metabolic pathways**: Participating in the synthesis of nucleotides needed for DNA and RNA synthesis, critical for cell proliferation and repair, particularly in rapidly dividing cells.

Understanding the detailed functions and interactions of GMPS contributes to our comprehension of cellular metabolism and the potential therapeutic targets for diseases linked with nucleotide metabolism disturbances.