### WT1-AS Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** WT1-AS  
**Location:** Upstream of the Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene on chromosome 11p13  
**Transcription:** Bi-directionally transcribed from the same promoter as the WT1 gene.  
**Imprinting:** The WT1-AS gene is imprinted in the kidney, with preferential expression from the paternal allele. Imprinting defects may lead to developmental issues and are implicated in tumorigenesis.

### 1. Associated Genes

The main gene associated with WT1-AS is:

- **WT1 (Wilms Tumor 1):** This gene is crucial for kidney and gonadal development and is involved in various functions, including regulating cell growth and apoptosis. The relationship between WT1 and WT1-AS is notable as WT1-AS is an antisense RNA to WT1.

Other genes mentioned in literature related to the imprinting region of 11p13 include:

- **IGF2 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 2):** Also involved in growth regulation and potentially related to the same imprinting phenomena.
- **KCNQ1 (Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily Q Member 1):** Another gene located within the imprinted region that may be involved in diseases such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
- **H19:** An imprinted gene that shares regulatory mechanisms with WT1.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Research connecting WT1-AS directly to aging or age-related diseases is limited, but it may be relevant in the context of the diseases associated with defects in the WT1 gene, including:

- **Wilms tumor:** Pediatric kidney cancer.
- **Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis:** A condition causing kidney damage.
- **Other cancers:** There may be indications that improper regulation of the WT1/WT1-AS axis can have oncogenic implications.
  
Imprinting anomalies at chromosome 11p13 might expose individuals to cancer susceptibility, which could have age-related aspects.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the latest available data, there are no specific drugs or drug classes that have been definitively linked to direct interactions with the WT1-AS gene. However, drugs affecting the WT1 pathway, such as some chemotherapy agents targeting cancer, may indirectly influence the expression or role of WT1-AS due to its regulatory connection with the WT1 gene.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

The WT1-AS gene is implicated in several biological processes and pathways, although precise details are still being elucidated. Some known associations include:

- **Imprinting regulation:** WT1-AS is critical in the regulation of gene expression due to its imprinting status, influencing the expression of nearby genes, particularly WT1.
- **Cancer pathways:** The gene may play a role in oncogenic processes, particularly in relation to renal cancers, with potential contributions to tumorigenesis when imprinting is disrupted.
- **Regulation of apoptosis:** Given the role of WT1 in regulating cell survival, WT1-AS may also influence pathways related to apoptosis indirectly.
- **Kidney development:** Essential roles in renal development processes, potentially linked to its partnership with the WT1 gene.

### Conclusion

Overall, while the WT1-AS gene has a connection with WT1 and plays a role in kidney function, cancer etiology, and gene imprinting, further research is needed to clarify its functions and implications for aging and drug interactions. Continued study may unravel more about its contributions to health and disease, particularly in the context of tumorigenesis and kidney-related disorders.