### WNT8A Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: WNT8A  
**Location**: Chromosome 1q42.13  
**Function**: The WNT8A gene is part of the WNT gene family, which encodes secreted signaling proteins important for various developmental processes. It plays a significant role in embryonic development, cell fate determination, and is implicated in oncogenesis.

### 1. Associated Genes
WNT8A gene is associated with various other signaling pathways and genes, including, but not limited to:
- **WNT5A**: Another member of the WNT family involved in non-canonical Wnt/PCR signaling pathways.
- **FRZB**: Frizzled-related protein that can regulate the WNT signaling pathway.
- **DKK1**: Dickkopf-related protein 1, an inhibitor of WNT signaling.
- **CTNNB1 (β-catenin)**: A central component of the canonical WNT signaling pathway.
- **AXIN**: A part of the destruction complex necessary for regulating β-catenin levels.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Current research suggests that WNT signaling plays an important role in aging and the development of age-related diseases. Although not exclusively detailed in connection with WNT8A, WNT signaling pathways have been implicated in various processes, including:
- **Stem cell maintenance**: Alterations in WNT signaling can affect stem cell function, impacting tissue regeneration and aging.
- **Cancer**: Dysregulation of WNT signaling can contribute to the development of multiple cancers, particularly germ cell tumors, which may have links to age-related increases in cancer incidence.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs targeting WNT8A directly are limited within current therapeutic frameworks, WNT signaling has been influenced by several drug classes, including:
- **GSK-3 inhibitors (e.g., CHIRON 99021)**: These inhibit glycogen synthase kinase 3, which plays a role in WNT signaling regulation.
- **Porcupine inhibitors**: These drugs, like LGK974 and IWP-2, inhibit the function of porcupine, an acyltransferase involved in WNT ligand palmitoylation, which may indirectly affect WNT8A signaling.
- **WNT pathway modulators**: Various experimental compounds that target the WNT/beta-catenin pathway have been tested for their potential therapeutic applications in diseases related to WNT dysregulation.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
WNT8A is involved in several biological pathways and processes, including:
- **WNT signaling pathway**: A complex network essential for various cellular functions during embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis.
- **Embryonic development**: WNT8A plays a critical role in establishing body axes and the development of various organs.
- **Cell migration and proliferation**: Through its interaction with frizzled receptors, it regulates these cellular processes in development and tissue homeostasis.
- **Neurogenesis**: Evidence suggests roles in developing the nervous system, through regulation of neural stem cell maintenance and differentiation.

In summary, WNT8A is an essential gene within the WNT signaling pathway, contributing to various developmental processes and having implications in oncogenesis and potentially age-related diseases. Further research may reveal more specific interactions and therapeutic targets related to conditions associated with WNT8A dysregulation.