### WDR4 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** WDR4  
**Location:** Chromosome 21q22.3  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding  

WDR4 encodes a member of the WD repeat protein family, characterized by the presence of WD repeats—structurally conserved sequences that facilitate protein-protein interactions. Proteins in this family are implicated in a wide range of cellular processes, including cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, apoptosis, and gene regulation. 

#### Additional Associated Genes
While specific associations may vary in different studies, WDR4 has been investigated in the context of various genetic interactions, particularly with genes involved in RNA metabolism and modifications. 

- **METTL1:** A key partner in the methyltransferase complex where WDR4 plays a scaffold role.
- **FEN1:** A gene associated with DNA replication and repair processes.
- **let-7 family (specifically let-7 miRNA):** A subset of microRNAs whose methylation involves WDR4.

These associations are crucial for understanding the functional landscape related to WDR4 in various biological contexts.

#### Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific aging studies related to WDR4 are limited, some general considerations include:

- **Genomic Stability:** WDR4 is suggested to play a role in maintaining genome stability, which is critical in aging, as genomic instability is a hallmark of aging-related diseases.
- **Cellular Senescence:** Altered methylation patterns, including those of tRNAs and mRNAs involving WDR4, may contribute to age-related cellular changes and senescence.
- **Potential Role in Cancer:** Given its involvement in tumor suppressor pathways and DNA stability, WDR4 may have implications in age-related cancers, though specific studies are necessary to elucidate this relationship.

#### Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes widely recognized to directly interact with the WDR4 gene. However, given its involvement in RNA methylation, it could hypothetically interact with drugs that target RNA metabolism, such as those in development for cancer therapies and epigenetic modifiers.

#### Biological Pathways and Processes
WDR4 is involved in several key biological pathways, including:

1. **Amino Acid Metabolism:** Specifically in the modification of tRNA, crucial for accurate protein synthesis.
2. **RNA Processing:** It is directly involved in the methylation of tRNAs (m7G46), mRNAs, and miRNAs, influencing RNA stability and translational efficiency.
3. **DNA Repair Mechanisms:** Associated with the endonucleolytic activities via FEN1, contributing to effective DNA replication and repair.
4. **Gene Expression Regulation:** Through its role in the methylation of miRNAs, WDR4 can indirectly influence gene expression profiles.

In summary, WDR4 is a multifaceted protein involved in critical cellular functions ranging from RNA capabilities to DNA maintenance, potentially linking it to both genetic disorders and broader biological contexts such as aging and cancer. Further research is essential in elucidating its full impact on health and disease.