**Gene Overview: SEPTIN11**

**Gene Symbol: SEPTIN11**  
**Location: Chromosome 5**  
**Function:**
SEPTIN11 is a member of the septins, which are a family of GTP-binding proteins that play a crucial role in the formation of filamentous structures that contribute to cell division and the maintenance of cell shape. SEPTIN11 has been implicated in various cellular processes, including:

- Cytokinesis: The process by which a cell divides its cytoplasm to form two daughter cells.
- Neuronal cytoarchitecture: Involved in the development of dendritic arborization and the structural integrity of neuronal dendrites and spines, which are critical for synaptic connectivity.
- Response to bacterial infection: Specifically noted to interact with the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, although it does not facilitate bacterial entry into cells but rather may limit bacterial efficacy.

### 1. Associated Genes
Specific associations of the SEPTIN11 gene with other genes have been noted primarily concerning its role in cytokinesis and neuronal architecture. Some related genes include:

- **SEPTIN7** and **SEPTIN2**: Other members of the septin family implicated in forming septin filaments that work together in cytokinesis and maintaining cellular structures.
- **CDC42**: A small GTPase that is involved in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics, which interacts with septins and may modulate their function in various signaling pathways.

### 2. Associations with Aging and Age-related Diseases
While direct links between SEPTIN11 and aging or specific age-related diseases may not be broadly studied, the general roles of septins in maintaining cellular integrity and function suggest potential implications in:

- Neurodegenerative diseases: Aberrant neuronal cytoarchitecture, including changes in dendritic spines and connections, has been associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other age-related cognitive declines.
- Cellular senescence: Given SEPTIN11's role in cytokinesis and cell division, it may indirectly influence processes tied to aging and tumorigenesis as aberrations in septin function can lead to cellular dysfunction.

### 3. Drugs or Drug Classes Interacting with SEPTIN11
At present, specific drugs directly targeting SEPTIN11 have not been widely identified in the literature. However, drugs affecting general microtubule dynamics (e.g., taxanes, colchicine) may theoretically influence the cellular pathways involving septins due to their roles in cytoskeletal organization. Research into targeted therapies for conditions involving cell division and neuronal health may explore interaction with septin pathways more directly.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
SEPTIN11 is involved in a variety of biological processes and signaling pathways, including but not limited to:

- **Cell Division**: Key involvement in cytokinesis, where septins form a ring structure that aids in the separation of daughter cells.
- **Neuronal Development**: Affects dendritic spine formation and GABAergic synaptic connectivity, implicating its role in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity.
- **Immune Response**: An indirect role during Listeria monocytogenes infection suggests involvement in the immune response to bacterial pathogens.
- **Cell Morphology Maintenance**: Contributes to maintaining cellular shape and integrity, particularly in neurons.

Overall, while SEPTIN11 plays a critical role in various cellular functions, ongoing research may further elucidate its precise contributions to aging and associated pathological conditions.