### DCAF15 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** DCAF15  
**Function:** The DCAF15 gene encodes a substrate-recognition component of the DCX(DCAF15) complex, a cullin-4-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. It enables small molecule binding and is involved in protein polyubiquitination, as well as the regulation of natural killer (NK) cell activation. DCAF15 facilitates the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of target proteins, which plays a critical role in the effector functions of NK cells. 

### Associated Genes

DCAF15 is known to interact with several other genes involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system and NK cell biology. Some of these genes may include:
- **SMC1A** and **SMC3**: Subunits of the cohesin complex that DCAF15 may help regulate via ubiquitination.
- **CUL4A** and **CUL4B**: Components of the cullin-RING ligase complex that associate with DCAF15.
- **RBX1**: RING finger protein that is part of the E3 ligase complex with which DCAF15 interacts.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While specific details connecting DCAF15 directly to aging or age-related diseases are limited, the gene's involvement in immune regulation and protein homeostasis suggests a possible role in:
- **Immunosenescence:** The gradual deterioration of the immune system associated with aging may involve alterations in NK cell activity and function, processes that DCAF15 is known to regulate.
- **Cancer:** Given its role in ubiquitination and regulation of cell cycle proteins, disruptions in DCAF15 expression or function might contribute to age-related increases in cancer risk.

### Drug Interactions

At present, specific drugs directly targeting DCAF15 are not well-defined in the literature. However, it may interact with drug classes such as:
- **Proteasome inhibitors:** Since DCAF15 is involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, compounds that inhibit proteasome activity (e.g., bortezomib) could potentially affect the functions of the DCAF15-dependent pathways.
- **Immunomodulatory drugs:** Given its role in NK cell activation, drugs that modulate immune responses could indirectly influence DCAF15 activity.
  
### Pathways and Biological Processes

DCAF15 is involved in several key biological processes, including:
- **Ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process:** DCAF15 is instrumental in tagging proteins for degradation via ubiquitination.
- **Natural Killer Cell Activation:** It regulates NK cell functions by modulating the degradation of proteins necessary for their activity.
- **Antigen-presenting cell activation:** DCAF15 may assist in interactions between NK cells and antigen-presenting cells, influencing immune responses.
- **Cell cycle regulation:** Through its interactions with cohesin complex subunits, DCAF15 could play a role in the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division.

### Summary

The DCAF15 gene plays a crucial role in immune regulation via its function in the ubiquitin-proteasome system and its interactions with NK cells. While concrete associations with aging and specific drug interactions remain loosely defined, its essential functions suggest it may be a relevant factor in both immune health and age-related conditions.