### PFKFB2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: PFKFB2  
**Location**: Human Chromosome 1 (1p31.1)  
**Protein**: The protein product of PFKFB2 is a bifunctional enzyme that participates in the regulation of glycolysis through its actions on fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, an important metabolic regulator.

### 1. Associated Genes
While PFKFB2 is notably involved in the regulation of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, it is part of a broader network of regulatory genes. Notably, it has functional links with:

- **PFKFB1**: Encodes a similar 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase that predominantly functions in the liver.
- **PFKFB3**: Another isoform that also synthesizes and degrades fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, with roles in various tissues.
- **HK (Hexokinases)**: These genes are involved in the glycolytic pathway and may interact functionally with PFKFB2.
- **PFK (Phosphofructokinase)**: The main regulatory enzyme in glycolysis, which may be influenced by fructose-2,6-bisphosphate levels.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research has suggested that alterations in the regulation of glucose metabolism, including the activity of PFKFB2 and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate levels, may play a role in age-associated metabolic changes, such as:

- **Diabetes**: Impaired regulation of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate has been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- **Cardiovascular Diseases**: As PFKFB2 levels and activity particularly affect cardiac metabolism, alterations may contribute to heart failure and other age-related cardiovascular conditions.
- **Cancer**: Dysregulated glycolysis, influenced by PFKFB2, is often observed in tumor metabolism, leading to implications in tumor progression with aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While there are no specific drugs currently targeting PFKFB2 widely recognized in clinical use, compounds that influence glycolysis and metabolic pathways could indirectly interact with the activity of PFKFB2. These include:

- **Biguanides** (e.g., Metformin): Commonly used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin affects glucose metabolism and could alter the regulatory roles of PFKFB2.
- **Phosphofructokinase inhibitors**: Potential research compounds may target phosphofructokinase activity, indirectly modifying the influence of PFKFB2's actions.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PFKFB2 is vital in several metabolic pathways and biological processes, including:

- **Glycolysis**: Directly involved by regulating fructose-2,6-bisphosphate levels, which in turn modulate the function of phosphofructokinase, a key enzyme in glycolysis.
- **Fructose and Mannose Metabolism**: As fructose-2,6-bisphosphate regulates glucose metabolism, it also indirectly impacts routes involving fructose and mannose.
- **Cell Growth and Proliferation**: Because fructose-2,6-bisphosphate is a crucial regulator of the cellular energy state, it influences pathways related to cell growth and division, particularly under conditions of nutrient deprivation or stress.

In summary, PFKFB2 acts as a metabolic regulator with implications in key physiological processes, aging, and potentially in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, all while being functionally integrated with various metabolic pathways. Further studies may reveal more about its role in drug interactions and the intricate regulation of metabolic homeostasis, especially under pathological conditions.