### SLC16A5 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: SLC16A5  
**Description**: This gene encodes a member of the solute carrier family 16, specifically involved in the transport of monocarboxylates. The protein product of SLC16A5 is a proton-linked transporter predominantly facilitating the movement of various monocarboxylates such as lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies across the plasma membrane. 

### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries provided do not list associated genes, the following genes are often linked to SLC16A5 due to their roles in related pathways and transport functions:
- **SLC16A1**: Another member of the monocarboxylate transporter family, known to transport lactate.
- **SLC16A3 (MCT4)**: Involved in lactate transport in glycolytic tissues.
- **SLC38A4**: Participates in amino acid transport and is linked to metabolic processes.
- **SLC2A1 (GLUT1)**: While primarily a glucose transporter, it may have interactions with metabolite transport that includes lactate.
- **RDH12**: Related to retinal metabolism which may indirectly involve monocarboxylate transport due to metabolic coupling.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Although there is not extensive direct research linking SLC16A5 specifically to aging or age-related diseases, it may have implications in:
- **Metabolic Aging**: A decline in monocarboxylate transport can affect metabolic efficiency with age. Insufficient transport of lactate and other substrates can impair energy metabolism in aging tissues.
- **Neurological Conditions**: Alterations in lactate transport have been connected to neurodegenerative diseases, where glucose metabolism is compromised, and SLC16A5 could play a role in maintaining energy balance in neuronal tissues.

### 3. Drug Interactions
SLC16A5 is known to interact with several drugs, particularly those influencing electrolyte transport:
- **Diuretics**: Bumetanide, thiazides (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), and loop diuretics, which can inhibit SLC16A5 function.
- **Sulfonylureas**: Glibenclamide and nateglinide, which act through various mechanisms in metabolic control.
- **Probenecid**: A uricosuric agent that also acts as a transporter inhibitor, potentially affecting the function of SLC16A5.
- **Ketogenic Agents**: Drugs altering ketone body metabolism may indirectly influence the activity of SLC16A5.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
SLC16A5 is involved in several key biological processes and metabolic pathways:
- **Monocarboxylate Transport**: Critical for the transport of lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies, facilitating anaerobic metabolism and energy production.
- **Cellular Respiration**: It participates in pathways related to metabolic turnover and energy homeostasis.
- **Lactate Metabolism**: Its function can influence the Cori cycle, facilitating the conversion of lactate to glucose in the liver.
- **Amino Acid Metabolism**: Links with the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids through the transport of oxoacids.
- **Acid-Base Balance**: Involved in pH regulation through proton-linked transport processes.

In summary, SLC16A5 is a crucial gene associated with the transport of monocarboxylates which plays a significant role in cellular metabolism and energy regulation, with possible implications in aging and interaction with various drugs especially those affecting diuretic pathways. Further studies could illuminate its exact roles in age-related conditions.