### AKAP9 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** AKAP9  
**Other Names:** AKAP350, DAKAP2, AKAP-350

**Function:** The AKAP9 gene encodes a scaffolding protein that interacts with various kinases and phosphatases, anchoring them to specific cellular sites such as the centrosome and Golgi apparatus. This scaffolding function is critical for organizing signaling complexes, playing a significant role in cell signaling and spatial organization, especially during cell division.

### 1. Associated Genes

Though the summary mentions some directly interacting proteins, here are additional genes associated with AKAP9 through broader signaling pathways and cellular processes:

- **PLK1** (Polo-like kinase 1): Involved in cell cycle regulation.
- **MAPK1** (Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1): Integral in cellular response to growth signals.
- **CDK5** (Cyclin-dependent kinase 5): Involved in neuron-specific regulation and signal transduction.
- **STK11** (Serine/threonine kinase 11): Plays a role in cell metabolism and growth control.
- **GSK3B** (Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta): Involved in energy metabolism, cell signaling, and inflammation.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases

- **Cellular Senescence:** Dysregulation of AKAP9 may play a role in cellular senescence, particularly through its action on microtubules and centrosomal integrity, which are essential during cell division.
- **Cancer:** Aberrations in AKAP9 expression or function have been implicated in various cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer, often linked to aging and accumulating cellular stresses.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Altered AKAP9 function may affect neuronal signaling pathways, which can have ramifications in age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

### 3. Drug or Drug Classes Interacting with AKAP9

While specific drugs targeting AKAP9 are not extensively described, the following drug classes are associated with pathways that involve AKAP9 or may influence its function:

- **PKA Inhibitors:** Since AKAP9 anchors PKA, various PKA inhibitors might indirectly affect AKAP9's function.
- **Microtubule Stabilizers/Disruptors:** Drugs like paclitaxel (Taxol) or colchicine that affect microtubule dynamics might impact networks involving AKAP9.
- **Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors:** Drugs acting on PDEs may interact with signaling pathways regulated by AKAP9.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

AKAP9 is involved in several vital biological processes and pathways, including:

- **Microtubule Organization:** Critical for cell division and intracellular transport, impacted by its interactions with CAMSAP2 and other proteins.
- **Cilia Formation and Function:** Associated with processes important for cellular signaling and sensory functions.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Influencing events during metaphase, affecting spindle orientation and chromosomal segregation.
- **Cellular Signaling Pathways:** Involvement in multiple signaling pathways, including MAPK and PKA pathways, which regulate various cellular responses to stimuli, including growth, differentiation, and stress responses.

### Summary

AKAP9 encodes a critical scaffolding protein that plays key roles in cellular signaling by organizing essential kinases and phosphatases at specific cellular locations. Its involvement in maintaining Golgi integrity, microtubule organization, and cell cycle regulation underscores its importance in both normal physiology and pathologies like cancer, particularly in the context of aging. Further research may elucidate its role in age-related diseases and potential therapeutic targets.