### USP17L28 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: USP17L28

**Gene Function**:
USP17L28 encodes a protein that demonstrates multiple functional characteristics, including:
- **RNA binding activity**: This suggests a role in RNA metabolism or regulation.
- **Hyaluronic acid binding activity**: Indicates potential involvement in cellular interactions and matrix biology.
- **Thiol-dependent deubiquitinase activity**: This function involves removing ubiquitin molecules from proteins, which can influence protein stability and function.

**Biological Role**:
The gene is involved in:
- Positive regulation of the epithelial cell apoptotic process, suggesting a role in apoptosis regulation,
- Protein deubiquitination, which is crucial in the ubiquitin-proteasome system that regulates protein degradation and function.

**Subcellular Localization**: The USP17L28 protein is located in the nucleolus, a nuclear substructure where ribosome biogenesis and assembly is facilitated.

### 1. Associated Genes
While specific associations with other genes are not widely cataloged in public databases, USP17L28 may interact with other members of the **USP family** (Ubiquitin Specific Proteases). Further research might provide insight into its network of interacting proteins and associated pathways.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
There is limited direct information specifically linking USP17L28 to aging or age-related diseases. However, given its role in protein deubiquitination and regulation of apoptosis, it may have implications in:
- Age-related cellular stress responses,
- Potential involvement in diseases characterized by protein misfolding or misregulation (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases),
- Tumorigenesis, as dysregulation of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer, which often increases with age.

Future studies could elucidate more explicit connections to aging or related pathologies.

### 3. Drug Interactions
As of now, specific drugs or drug classes that interact directly with USP17L28 are not extensively documented. Research into its functional role might lead to identification of pharmacological agents that could influence its activity. Small molecules targeting deubiquitinating enzymes in general might have interactions related to USP17L28 indirectly.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
**Involved Pathways**:
- **Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis**: Given its role as a deubiquitinase, it likely has a significant impact in this pathway which is vital for regulating protein turnover.
- **Apoptosis signaling pathway**: Since USP17L28 positively regulates the epithelial cell apoptotic process, it can be involved in pathways regulating programmed cell death.

**Biological Processes**:
- Protein deubiquitination
- Epithelial cell apoptosis
- Cellular response to stress (potential participation in this process through regulation of protein stability).

In summary, USP17L28 plays multiple roles in RNA metabolism, apoptosis regulation, and protein stability via deubiquitination. Continued research is vital to fully reveal its potential roles in aging, disease, and therapeutic targeting.