### PRICKLE4 Gene Summary

**Gene Symbol**: PRICKLE4  
**Location**: Human chromosome 8p11.2  
**Protein**: Involved in various cellular processes, particularly related to the planar cell polarity signaling pathway.

### Detailed Information

1. **Associated Genes**:
   - **PRICKLE1**: Involved in neuronal development and planar cell polarity signaling.
   - **DISHEVELLED (DVL)**: Plays a pivotal role in transducing Wnt signals, indirectly associated with PRICKLE4.
   - **WNT Pathway Genes**: Genes like WNT5A and WNT11 that are involved in the planar polarity signaling pathway have functional relationships with PRICKLE4.
   - **FLNA (Filamin A)**: Interactions with cytoskeletal components suggest a connection with the cytoskeleton that may affect cell structure and migration.
   - **FZD (Frizzled) receptors**: Various FZD receptors are integral to Wnt signaling pathways, which are also associated with PRICKLE4's function.

2. **Aging and Age-Related Diseases**:
   - PRICKLE4 has been implicated in processes related to cellular signaling that could affect aging and age-related pathologies. There is evidence from studies examining cancer types (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer) indicating that disruptions in planar cell polarity may contribute to tumor progression and metastasis.
   - Some studies have reported potential links to neurodegenerative conditions, as the planar cell polarity signaling pathway plays roles in neuronal organization and might influence age-related cognitive decline.
   - Elevated expression levels of PRICKLE4 in cancerous tissues may reflect altered regulation during aging, possibly suggesting a role in age-related cancer susceptibility.

3. **Drug Interactions**:
   - Currently, specific drugs directly targeting PRICKLE4 are not widely reported. However, it may be part of broader pathways that certain oncology drugs impact due to its association with cancer. Future drug development targeting the Wnt/PCP pathway may indirectly impact its activity.
   - Compound classes that modulate Wnt signaling (e.g., tankyrase inhibitors) could potentially interact with PRICKLE4, given its involvement in that pathway, although specific clinical drug interactions are not established.

4. **Pathways and Biological Processes**:
   - **Planar Cell Polarity Signaling Pathway**: PRICKLE4 is a critical component in the regulation of cellular polarity and directionality in epithelial tissues.
   - **Wnt Signaling Pathway**: It is involved in both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling cascades, affecting development and cell behavior.
   - **Neurite Outgrowth**: Plays a role in the organization of cells during development.
   - **Cell Migration**: As a modulator of the cytoskeleton, it influences cellular movements crucial for development and wound healing.
   - **Cancer Pathogenesis**: Participates in pathways that may contribute to tumor formation and progression, especially in certain cancers.

### Summary
PRICKLE4 is an important gene linked to cellular processes including planar cell polarity and Wnt signaling, involved in various normal and cancerous tissues. It has potential implications in aging and age-related diseases, particularly in the context of cancer, and while specific drug interactions are less defined, its involvement in major signaling pathways makes it a possible target for future research and therapeutic approaches.