### Gene Overview: SNORD66

**Gene Symbol:** SNORD66 (Small Nucleolar RNA, C/D Box 66)

**Location:** SNORD66 is located on the chromosome 12 within a cluster of C/D box small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). 

**Function:** SNORD66 is primarily involved in the modification of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and, by extension, plays a critical role in the biogenesis of ribosomes. As a member of the C/D box snoRNA family, it is involved in the site-specific 2'-O-methylation of rRNA.

### Associated Genes:
While specific associated genes are often not clearly defined for snoRNAs, SNORD66 and other snoRNAs are generally implicated in the regulation of various ribosomal proteins and different aspects of ribosome function. It might be indirectly associated with genes encoding ribosomal proteins or other regulatory factors involved in ribosome assembly. Further exploration in gene expression studies or genetic interaction maps would be necessary to identify direct associations.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases:
Current literature does not specifically highlight SNORD66 alone as having direct connections to aging or age-related diseases. However, snoRNAs generally are known to influence cell proliferation and differentiation, processes vital to aging. Alterations in snoRNA expression profiles have been observed in certain cancers and may play a role in cellular senescence, though explicit associations with SNORD66 in these contexts need to be further characterized.

### Drug Interactions:
As of now, there is limited or no direct evidence of drug interactions specifically associated with SNORD66. However, since snoRNAs are involved in rRNA modification, they could be indirectly affected by drugs that target ribosome biogenesis or function. Further studies would be required to elucidate any specific drug interactions, and currently, it is not a common target in drug databases.

### Biological Pathways and Processes:
SNORD66 is primarily linked to:

1. **Ribosome Biogenesis:** It contributes to the modification of rRNA, specifically impacting ribosomal subunit assembly.
2. **RNA Methylation Processes:** As a C/D box snoRNA, it plays a role in methylation of specific nucleotides on rRNA, which is critical for proper ribosomal function.
3. **Ribosomal RNA Processing:** Involved in the maturation and processing of rRNA precursors.

Overall, while SNORD66 is a component of fundamental cellular machinery regarding RNA processing and ribosome assembly, further research is warranted to reveal any broader physiological implications, including relationships to diseases and aging.