### Gene Overview: PARP8

**Gene Symbol**: PARP8  
**Function**: The PARP8 gene encodes a member of the Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family, specifically acting as a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase. This enzyme mediates the transfer of ADP-ribose to target proteins, which plays a significant role in various cellular processes, including DNA repair, stress response, and cellular signaling.

### 1. Associated Genes
PARP8 has been studied in the context of various cellular functions, and while specific genes associated with PARP8 are not comprehensively cataloged, some related genes within the PARP family include:
- **PARP1**: Involved in DNA repair and cell death.
- **PARP2**: Also associated with DNA repair mechanisms.
- **PARP3**: Plays a role in cellular responses to stress.
- **PARP5A (also known as Tankyrase)**: Involved in telomere maintenance and Wnt signaling.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Research indicates that the PARP family is significant in aging and age-related conditions, particularly:
- **Cellular Senescence**: PARP8, through its role in ADP-ribosylation, may influence pathways that regulate cellular senescence.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: Altered activity of PARP proteins, including PARP8, has been implicated in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- **Age-related Inflammatory Diseases**: The involvement of PARP8 in modulation of immune responses may connect it with chronic inflammation seen in age-related diseases.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While there are no specific drugs directly targeting PARP8, its family members (especially PARP1) have been targeted by approved drugs, such as:
- **PARP Inhibitors**: Such as Olaparib, Rucaparib, and Niraparib, primarily used in the treatment of cancers (especially those with mutations in BRCA1/2 genes). The approach of targeting PARP pathways could suggest similar strategies may be relevant for PARP8 in the context of therapeutic development.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PARP8 is involved in various biological pathways and processes, including:
- **DNA Repair**: As a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase, it is likely to play a role in DNA damage responses, contributing to repair mechanisms.
- **Cell Signaling**: Regulates signaling pathways through the modification of protein activity via ADP-ribosylation.
- **Response to Stress**: PARP family proteins are generally activated in response to stress, implicating PARP8 in the cellular response to oxidative stress and other stressors.

Overall, PARP8 is an important gene within the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase family and appears to play a multifaceted role in cellular regulation, stress responses, and potentially age-related processes. Further research is warranted to elucidate its functions and therapeutic potentials.