### WASHC1 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** WASHC1  
**Location:** The WASHC1 gene is located on chromosome 2. It encodes a protein that is a part of the WASH complex, which plays a crucial role in actin dynamics and endosomal transport.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the provided summary mentions several specific interactions involving the WASHC1 gene, including roles in Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin nucleation and endosomal transport, the following genes may also be associated or interact with WASHC1 based on functional relations:

- **ARP2/3 Complex Genes (e.g., ARPC1, ARPC2, ARPC3, ARPC4, ARPC5):** These genes encode components of the Arp2/3 complex, which WASHC1 activates for actin polymerization.
- **BECN1:** Involved in autophagy regulation via association with WASHC1.
- **PIK3C3 (Vps34):** A gene involved in lipid signaling pathways akin to WASHC1's role in regulating autophagy.
- **MMP14:** Matrix metalloproteinase involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, regulated by WASHC1.
- **T-cell Receptors (e.g., CD28, ITGAL):** These receptors are recycled in T-cells with the assistance of WASHC1.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While direct studies specifically linking WASHC1 to aging and age-related diseases are sparse, the following indirect associations can be drawn:

- **Autophagy Regulation:** Since WASHC1 negatively regulates autophagy (by inhibiting BECN1), dysregulation of autophagy is a hallmark of aging, where impaired autophagic clearance can contribute to age-related diseases and cellular senescence.
- **Immune Function:** WASHC1's role in T-cell function and antigen presentation implies potential involvement in age-related immunosenescence, wherein aging affects the efficiency of T-cell mediated immune responses.
- **Cancer:** Given the association of invasiveness and migration processes in which WASHC1 is involved, alterations in this gene could potentially contribute to age-related increases in cancer incidence.

### 3. Drug Interactions

Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes universally recognized to directly target WASHC1. However, potential interactions can be inferred based on pathways involved:

- **Altering Actin Dynamics:** Drugs that modulate actin polymerization and depolymerization (e.g., cytochalasins) could theoretically have an impact on WASHC1 function, though these effects may not be directly targeted to WASHC1.
- **Anticancer Therapies:** As WASHC1 is implicated in cancer invasion, there may be therapeutic agents (like those targeting integrin pathways) that indirectly affect the molecular pathways in which WASHC1 participates.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

WASHC1 is involved in several critical biological processes:

- **Actin Cytoskeleton Organization:** It functions as a nucleation-promoting factor for actin polymerization through the Arp2/3 complex.
- **Endosomal Transport and Sorting:** It has a central role in mediating endosomal trafficking, recycling of receptors, and tubule fission during endosomal sorting.
- **Cell Migration and Invasion:** WASHC1 is involved in cellular motility processes, contributing to invasive behaviors in immune cells and cancer cells.
- **Autophagy Regulation:** Through the inhibition of BECN1, WASHC1 participates in the negative regulation of autophagy.
- **T-cell Activation:** Plays a key role in the recycling of T-cell receptors and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules during immune responses.

Overall, the WASHC1 gene encodes an important protein that regulates various cellular processes, particularly those involving actin dynamics and endosomal trafficking, with implications in the immune system and potential relevance to aging and disease.