### UBA3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** UBA3  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding gene  
**Gene Location:** Located on chromosome 12 in humans.  

#### 1. Associated Genes
The UBA3 gene has been associated with several other genes and proteins, especially those involved in ubiquitination and related processes. Some notable associated genes include:
- **NAE1:** Forms the dimeric E1 enzyme complex with UBA3, which is essential for NEDD8 activation.
- **UBE2M:** An E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that interacts with UBA3 for the subsequent transfer of the activated NEDD8.

Additional genes that may be indirectly associated through the ubiquitin-proteasome system include:
- **BIRC6:** Involved in cellular homeostasis and apoptosis, may interact with the ubiquitin system.
- **PSMD4:** Part of the 26S proteasome and involved in protein degradation, influenced by ubiquitin modifications.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While there is no direct research linking UBA3 to aging, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), in which UBA3 plays a critical role, is known to be involved in several age-related processes and diseases:
- **Proteostasis & Aging:** Disruption of protein degradation pathways, including ubiquitination, has been implicated in age-related decline and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** As UBA3 is necessary for cell cycle progression, it may have implications for cancer biology, particularly in aged tissues where cellular mutations accumulate.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
As of the latest updates, direct drug interactions specifically targeting UBA3 have not been widely documented. However, general inhibitors of the ubiquitin-proteasome system could indirectly influence the activity of UBA3:
- **Proteasome Inhibitors:** Drugs like bortezomib and carfilzomib, used to treat multiple myeloma, act by inhibiting the UPS, potentially affecting proteins regulated by UBA3.
- **NEDD8 Activating Enzyme Inhibitors:** Investigational drugs aimed at inhibiting the NEDD8 pathway could also have implications for UBA3 functionality, as it directly activates NEDD8.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
UBA3 is involved in several critical biological pathways and processes:
- **Ubiquitin-Dependent Protein Catabolism:** UBA3 is part of the ubiquitin pathway for targeted protein degradation.
- **NEDD8 Pathway Activation:** UBA3 acts as a NEDD8-activating enzyme, linking NEDD8 modifications to other proteins which are critical for various signaling pathways.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Involvement in the cell cycle indicates a role in cellular proliferation and division.
- **Response to DNA Damage:** The activity of UBA3 may also be relevant in processes associated with DNA repair and cellular stress responses.

### Conclusion
The UBA3 gene is pivotal in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, specifically as a key enzyme in activating the NEDD8 protein, which plays essential roles in cell signaling, cycle progression, and potentially in the context of age-related diseases. Its interactions with other proteins and the involvement in crucial pathways make it a significant focus in studies on cellular regulation and protection against diseases common in aging. Ongoing research may further elucidate precise roles and therapeutic implications of UBA3 in health and disease.