### Gene Overview
**Gene Symbol**: WDPCP (WD repeat containing planar cell polarity effector)  
**NCBI Gene ID**: 23752  
**UniProt**: Q9BSW3  

The WDPCP gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein that contains WD40 repeats, which are known to mediate protein-protein interactions. This gene is integral to the planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway, crucial for various cellular processes, including ciliogenesis and collective cell movement. It is implicated in Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS15) and may also contribute to Meckel-Gruber syndrome, both of which are genetic disorders affecting multiple organ systems.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the provided summaries already mention FUZ, several other genes have been associated with WDPCP functions:

- **BBS1**: Mutations in this gene are also related to Bardet-Biedl syndrome.
- **BBS10**: Another gene associated with Bardet-Biedl syndrome.
- **IFT proteins**: These proteins (such as IFT-A and IFT-B complexes) are directly involved in the assembly and maintenance of cilia, with which WDPCP has a functional relationship.
- **DVL genes (Dishevelled)**: Part of the PCP pathway that interacts with WDPCP.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Though specific associations of the WDPCP gene with aging-related diseases are not well-defined, its involvement in ciliogenesis and planar cell polarity suggests potential implications in:

- **Degenerative diseases**: Many ciliary dysfunctions, such as those seen in Bardet-Biedl syndrome, can manifest later in life with symptoms that could resemble age-related degeneration.
- **Cancer**: Improper PCP signaling has been linked to tumor progression, which can be relevant as age is a risk factor in many cancers.
  
Research is continuing in this area, and while direct connections to aging are not well established, the mechanisms influenced by WDPCP may play a role in age-related pathology.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes universally recognized for direct interaction with the WDPCP gene product. Given that WDPCP is involved in fundamental processes associated with cilia and cell polarity, interventions targeting ciliary function or extracellular signaling pathways could indirectly affect WDPCP activity or functions. Some relevant drug classes include:

- **Cilia-targeting agents**: Compounds that affect ciliary function may indirectly interact with pathways influenced by WDPCP.
- **Anticancer drugs**: Given its role in regulating cell movement and polarity, drugs targeting cancer pathways may also intersect with its function due to its involvement in planar cell polarity signaling.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
WDPCP is involved in several biological processes and pathways:

- **Ciliogenesis**: WDPCP plays a critical role in the formation and function of cilia.
- **Planar Cell Polarity Pathway**: It is a likely effector in this pathway that helps establish the structural asymmetry of cells.
- **Cell Movement and Morphogenesis**: Its role in collective cell movement is vital during tissue development and organization.
- **Septin Localization**: WDPCP helps regulate the localization of septins, which are essential for maintaining cellular integrity and function during division and other processes.

### Conclusion
The WDPCP gene is crucial for understanding various cellular dynamics, particularly in ciliogenesis and planar cell polarity. Its implications in syndromic disorders and potential connections to age-related conditions underscore the importance of continued research in this domain.