### RASSF8 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** RASSF8  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding  
**Location:** Chromosome 12 (12p11.2)  
**Function:** RASSF8 is a member of the Ras-association domain family of tumor suppressor proteins. It is integral in maintaining the function of adherens junctions in epithelial cells and plays a critical role in epithelial cell migration. It is a candidate gene for lung tumor suppression and is involved in the development of synpolydactyly due to chromosomal translocation with the FBLN1 gene.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the summary indicates the fusion with the **FBLN1** gene due to translocation, other genes that have been studied in relation to RASSF8 include:

- **RASSF1:** A well-established tumor suppressor gene in the RASSF family that may demonstrate overlapping functions in cell signaling and tumorigenesis.
- **RASSF3** and **RASSF5 (NORE1A):** Other RASSF family members that often have similar roles in tumor suppression and signaling pathways.
  
Additionally, there may be indirect associations with genes involved in epithelial cell signaling and migration, such as:

- **CDH1 (E-cadherin):** Essential for adherens junction integrity.
- **AKT1:** Plays a role in cell survival and growth pathways that may intersect with RASSF8 function in tumorigenesis.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Although specific studies directly relating RASSF8 to aging or age-related diseases are limited, the following associations are noteworthy:

- Dysfunction in adherens junctions, in which RASSF8 is involved, has been linked to various age-related diseases, including cancer and tissue degeneration, particularly in epithelial tissues.
- Impaired function in tumor suppressor genes, including those like RASSF8, can lead to an increased risk of developing age-related cancers, malfunctioning of cellular adhesion, and migration properties which change during aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions

Currently, there is limited data directly linking specific drugs or drug classes to RASSF8. However, as a tumor suppressor involved in pathways that regulate cell proliferation and survival, it could reasonably be inferred that:

- **Targeted cancer therapies**: Such as those involving inhibitors of the Ras pathway or other signaling molecules may indirectly affect the function of RASSF8.
- **Chemotherapeutic agents**: Medications that influence cell adhesion or have been shown to impact epithelial integrity could interact with RASSF8’s function.

As research progresses, more detailed pharmacogenomic interactions may be elucidated.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

RASSF8 is involved in several important biological processes and signaling pathways, including but not limited to:

- **Adherens Junction Assembly and Maintenance**: Critical for maintaining epithelial cell structure and function.
- **Cell Migration and Adhesion**: Plays a role in the regulation of cell motility, which is vital during development and wound healing as well as in cancer metastasis.
- **Regulation of Apoptosis**: Involved in signaling pathways that control cellular fate, potentially through interactions with pro-apoptotic factors.
- **Ras Signaling Pathways**: As part of the RASSF family, it is likely involved in multiple Ras-mediated pathways that regulate cell growth and differentiation.

In summary, RASSF8 functions as a tumor suppressor with a key role in maintaining epithelial integrity and migration, significant implications in cancer biology, and potential connections to age-related processes, though more research is needed to fully elucidate its functions and interactions.