### FOXK2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** FOXK2  
**Location:** Chromosome 17  
**Function:** The FOXK2 gene encodes a transcription factor that contains a forkhead DNA binding domain. It plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, particularly those related to metabolism, gene regulation, and response to cellular stress.

#### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries provided specific interactions, FOXK2 is associated with several other genes, including but not limited to:
- **FOXK1**: Acts in conjunction with FOXK2 to regulate glucose metabolism and autophagy.
- **HK2** (Hexokinase 2): An enzyme involved in the glycolytic pathway.
- **PKLR** (Pyruvate Kinase, liver and red blood cell type): Another glycolytic enzyme repressed or activated by FOXK2.
- **PDK1/PDK4**: Kinases that inhibit pyruvate dehydrogenase, involved in metabolic regulation.
- **JUN/AP-1**: Protein complexes with which FOXK2 co-associates to regulate gene expression.
- **DVL family**: Dishevelled proteins involved in WNT signaling, where FOXK2 is implicated in the regulation of their activity.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
FOXK2 has been implicated in the regulation of autophagy, a process critical for cellular maintenance and homeostasis. Dysregulation of autophagy is associated with several age-related diseases, including:
- **Muscle Wasting (Sarcopenia)**: FOXK2's role in negatively regulating autophagy in muscle may contribute to age-related muscle loss.
- **Metabolic Disorders**: Given FOXK2’s involvement in glucose metabolism and aerobic glycolysis, its dysfunction may contribute to age-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- **Cancer**: Alterations in metabolic pathways and regulation of cellular stress responses by FOXK2 might influence tumorigenesis and cancer progression, processes often exacerbated with aging.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there is limited specific information regarding direct drugs interacting with FOXK2. However, the involvement of FOXK2 in cellular metabolic pathways suggests it could be indirectly affected by:
- **Metformin**: A common anti-diabetic drug, may influence pathways regulated by FOXK2, thereby affecting glucose metabolism.
- **Inhibitors of Autophagy**: Such as Hydroxychloroquine have been conjectured to impact FOXK2's regulation due to its association with autophagy processes.
  
Specific drug interactions might still be an area of ongoing investigation and may be elucidated in future studies.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
FOXK2 is involved in several key metabolic and signaling pathways, including:
- **WNT Signaling Pathway**: Positively regulates β-catenin-dependent signaling by translocating DVL into the nucleus.
- **Glycolysis and Aerobic Glycolysis**: Acts as a transcriptional regulator increasing the expression of glycolytic enzymes.
- **Regulation of Autophagy**: Functions as a negative regulator in skeletal muscle under starvation conditions, inhibiting autophagic gene expression to prevent proteolysis.
- **Cellular Stress Response**: Involvement in HIV and immune signaling could impact cellular response pathways.

### Conclusion
The FOXK2 gene is multifaceted, acting as a transcriptional regulator crucial for metabolic adaptations, cellular stress responses, and possibly influencing conditions related to aging and disease. Understanding its interactions and regulatory mechanisms could provide insights into therapeutic strategies for metabolic and age-related disorders.