### SUPT16H Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** SUPT16H  
**Location:** Chromosome 17  
**Function:** SUPT16H encodes a 140 kDa subunit of the FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex, essential for RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. This protein acts as a histone chaperone to assist in the disassembly and reassembly of nucleosomes during transcription elongation, DNA replication, and DNA repair processes.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries focus primarily on the functions and interactions of SUPT16H in the context of the FACT complex, it is associated with several other proteins and genes involved in transcription regulation and chromatin remodeling:

- **SPT16** - This gene encodes the 80 kDa subunit of the FACT complex, which works together with SUPT16H.
- **HIST1H2A, HIST1H2B** - These genes encode histone proteins that are interacted with by the FACT complex.
- **ATR, ATM** - These genes are involved in DNA damage response and may interact with the FACT complex during DNA repair.
- **TP53** - The tumor suppressor gene p53 is phosphorylated by kinases that may be influenced by the FACT complex.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
SUPT16H has been implicated in cellular processes that contribute to aging and age-related diseases:

- **DNA Replication and Repair:** A decline in the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms is associated with aging. The role of SUPT16H in facilitating DNA repair through the FACT complex suggests it may influence cellular aging and longevity.
- **Cancer:** Altered expression of SUPT16H has been observed in various cancers, where the dysregulation of transcription during cellular proliferation is a common feature. Its role in p53 phosphorylation may link it to age-related tumorigenesis.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Impaired transcription elongation and DNA repair by SUPT16H could contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, which are often exacerbated by aging.

### 3. Drug and Drug Classes Interactions
There are currently no specific drugs listed that directly target SUPT16H; however, several drugs affecting transcription regulation or chromatin structure could influence its activity indirectly:

- **Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (e.g., Vorinostat, Trichostatin A)** - These agents alter the acetylation state of histones, impacting chromatin structure and potentially affecting FACT function.
- **Chemotherapeutic Agents** - Some chemotherapeutics utilize mechanisms that influence transcription and DNA repair pathways, which may affect SUPT16H indirectly.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
SUPT16H is involved in various biological processes and pathways, including:

- **Transcriptional Regulation:** Facilitating transcription elongation as part of the FACT complex.
- **Chromatin Remodeling:** Participating in the organization and restructuring of chromatin to allow access to transcriptional machinery.
- **DNA Repair Pathways:** Involvement in nucleotide excision repair and the repair of double-strand breaks through its adaptations during DNA damage response.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Influences pathways that regulate cell proliferation, survival, and response to cellular stress.

In summary, SUPT16H is a crucial component of the FACT complex that plays a fundamental role in transcription regulation, chromatin dynamics, and DNA repair, with potential implications in aging and several diseases, particularly cancer. While direct drug interactions are not well characterized, its function could be influenced by various chromatin-modulating therapies.