### NAE1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** NAE1  
**Location:** Chromosome 19  
**Function:** The NAE1 gene encodes a protein that is critical in the neddylation process, which involves the attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8 to target proteins, regulating various cellular functions, particularly those related to the cell cycle and apoptotic pathways.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the provided summaries note interactions with UBE1C and mention the beta-amyloid precursor protein, NAE1 has been associated with several other genes, including:

- **UBE2M**: As indicated in the summaries, UBE2M is involved in the neddylation process where NEDD8 is transferred and attached to target proteins.
- **Mdm2**: NEDD8 activation plays a role in the regulation of Mdm2, which is critical in p53 degradation.
- **p53**: There is evidence that the neddylation process can impact p53's activity and stability.
- **CDK and Cyclin Genes**: Indirect links have been noted, as neddylation is important for cell cycle progression, where cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a pivotal role.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
NAE1 has relevance in several age-related contexts:

- **Cellular Senescence**: Neddylation has been linked to the regulation of proteins involved in senescence, impacting aging processes.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: Given its interaction with beta-amyloid precursor protein and potential implications in Alzheimer's pathology, NAE1 may influence age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
- **Cancer**: As age is a significant risk factor for many cancers, and given NAE1's role in cell cycle regulation, aberrant NAE1 activity can contribute to tumorigenesis.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While not extensively detailed in the summaries, initial research and ongoing studies suggest the following:

- **Neddylation Inhibitors**: Compounds that inhibit the neddylation process (e.g., MLN4924) may interact with the pathway involving NAE1, affecting cell growth and apoptosis in cancer cells.
- **Caspase Inhibitors**: As NAE1 overexpression has been linked with apoptosis, drugs targeting caspases might be relevant in modulating its activity.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
NAE1 is involved in several key biological pathways:

- **Neddylation Pathway**: It is a vital component of the neddylation mechanism that activates NEDD8 and modifies target proteins, which can alter cellular signaling and function.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Critical for progression through the S/M checkpoint, ensuring proper cell division.
- **Apoptosis**: NAE1 overexpression leads to programmed cell death, which can have implications in cancer therapy.
- **Signal Transduction**: Through interactions with the beta-amyloid precursor protein and possibly others, NAE1 may participate in intracellular signaling pathways that influence cell development and responsiveness.

### Conclusion
The NAE1 gene encodes a protein essential for neddylation and impacts various cellular processes, particularly related to the cell cycle and apoptosis. It has potential associations with aging and age-related diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. Its interactions with other proteins and potential drug targets make it a significant focus of ongoing research in molecular biology and therapeutic drug development.