### ADH5 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: ADH5  
**UniProt Accession**: P00326  
**Location**: Human chromosome 4q22.1

**General Function**: 
The ADH5 gene encodes the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase class 3 (also known as Class III alcohol dehydrogenase), which is involved in the metabolism of a variety of substrates, including long-chain primary alcohols and certain detoxification processes, particularly the elimination of formaldehyde.

### Additional Information about the ADH5 Gene

#### 1. Associated Genes
ADH5 is part of a larger family of alcohol dehydrogenases, and although specific associated genes aren't listed in the summaries, related genes include:

- **ADH1A**, **ADH1B**, **ADH1C**: These are class I alcohol dehydrogenases with roles in ethanol metabolism.
- **ADH4**: Another member of the alcohol dehydrogenase family involved in metabolism.
- **ALDH**: Aldehyde dehydrogenase genes (e.g., ALDH2) which participate in the oxidative metabolism of aldehydes, including those generated from ADH activity.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific literature regarding ADH5 and aging is limited, abnormalities in formaldehyde metabolism and related pathways can contribute to cellular damage, which is a hallmark of aging. Age-related declines in detoxification processes, such as the activities associated with ADH5, might exacerbate the accumulation of toxic substances. Potential associations include:

- **Cancer**: The inability to efficiently clear formaldehyde can contribute to increased DNA damage and may play a role in the development of cancers, particularly those involving tissues exposed to formaldehyde.
- **Neurodegeneration**: Accumulation of reactive aldehydes due to impaired metabolism may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases due to oxidative stress.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
The ADH5 enzyme is primarily known for its interaction with alcohols and aldehydes rather than specific pharmaceutical drugs. However, interactions may occur with:

- **Methanol**: Formaldehyde is a metabolite of methanol, and ADH5 plays a role in the detoxification of methanol poisoning.
- **Sulfhydryl-containing drugs**: Formaldehyde reacts with sulfhydryl groups, and any drugs that affect cysteine metabolism may indirectly influence ADH5 functions.

The role of ADH5 in corticosteroid metabolism indicates potential indirect interactions with glucocorticoids and sex hormones.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ADH5 is involved in several metabolic pathways and biological processes, including:

- **Detoxification of Formaldehyde**: High activity in the oxidation of S-(hydroxymethyl) glutathione, facilitating the detoxification of formaldehyde.
- **Fatty Acid Metabolism**: Involved in the oxidation of long-chain omega-hydroxy fatty acids, with downstream products affecting lipid metabolism.
- **Alcohol Metabolism**: While it has minimal activity for ethanol, it plays a role in the metabolism of other alcohols, impacting general alcohol metabolism pathways.
- **Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Scavenging**: By helping to metabolize reactive aldehydes, ADH5 contributes to cellular defense against oxidative stress.

Overall, ADH5 is a significant enzyme for formaldehyde metabolism and plays a role in the metabolism of various long-chain fatty acids, underscoring its relevance in both metabolic pathways and potential implications in health and disease. Further research continues to refine its roles related to aging and associated pathologies.