### WDR76 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** WDR76  
**Function:** The WDR76 gene encodes a protein that enables enzyme binding activity and plays a crucial role in the cellular response to DNA damage. It is specifically noted for binding to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), indicating its potential role as a reader of this modified base in the cellular context of epigenetic regulation.

#### 1. Associated Genes
The WDR76 gene may be associated with a variety of other genes involved in DNA damage response and repair, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetic regulation. While the specific interactors may not be explicitly detailed in the provided summaries, typical genes associated with similar functions include:

- **ATR** (Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein): Involved in the DNA damage response.
- **TP53** (Tumor Protein P53): A critical regulator of the cellular response to stress and DNA damage.
- **HIST1H2AE**: Histone gene that might be involved in the regulation of chromatin associated with DNA repair processes.
- **DNMT3A** and **DNMT3B**: DNA methyltransferases involved in the addition of methyl groups to DNA and potentially interacting with 5hmC dynamics.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Although specific studies focusing on WDR76 in the context of aging or age-related diseases might be limited, its role in DNA damage response suggests a potential impact on cellular aging processes. DNA damage accumulation is a hallmark of aging and can contribute to age-related diseases, such as:

- **Cancer:** As WDR76 is involved in DNA damage recognition, mutations or dysregulation in this gene might affect cancer susceptibility and progression.
- **Neurodegenerative Disorders:** Research in DNA repair mechanisms could link WDR76 to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington’s disease, where DNA damage responses are crucial for neuronal health.

#### 3. Known Drug Interactions
As of the last available data, there are no specific drugs or drug classes publicly known to have direct interactions with the WDR76 gene/protein. However, potential interactions could arise from therapeutic agents targeting DNA damage pathways, such as:

- **PARP inhibitors (e.g., Olaparib):** These are used in cancer therapy for tumors with defective DNA repair mechanisms.
- **Topoisomerase inhibitors:** Drugs that interfere with DNA replication and repair could indirectly influence pathways involving WDR76.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
WDR76 is involved in several biological processes and pathways, including:

- **DNA Damage Response (DDR):** Specifically involved in recognizing and responding to DNA damage stimuli.
- **Epigenetic Regulation:** By binding to 5hmC, WDR76 may play roles in the regulation of gene expression and chromatin structure.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Involvement in processes ensuring proper cell cycle progression upon DNA damage detection.
- **Cellular Response to Stress:** Participation in cellular mechanisms that manage stressors affecting DNA integrity.

Overall, WDR76 is a multifaceted protein related to key cellular processes such as epigenetic regulation, DNA repair, and cellular responses to damage, highlighting its potential significance in both normal physiology and disease contexts. Further studies are necessary to fully elucidate its roles and associations with a broader range of genetic factors and clinical implications.