The PSMB8-AS1 gene, also known as PSMB8 antisense RNA 1, is classified as a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and is located in the vicinity of the PSMB8 gene, which encodes a subunit of the proteasome. PSMB8-AS1 is thought to play a role in the regulation of gene expression and has been associated with various biological processes, although specific functional details are still being elucidated.

### 1. Associated Genes
Aside from the neighboring PSMB8 gene, PSMB8-AS1 may have differential expression and regulatory relationships with:
- **PSMB9**: Another immunoproteasome component that works alongside PSMB8.
- **PSMB10**: Also part of the immunoproteasome assembly; it may share functional pathways with PSMB8.
- **PSMA and PSMD family genes**: Involved in the proteasome complex along with PSMB8.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Details related to aging and age-related diseases involving PSMB8-AS1 are emerging, although the lncRNA has been implicated in various stress responses and cellular functions that may influence age-related degeneration. Some relevant points include:
- **Immune Function**: Given its association with the proteasome complex (immune response), disruptions can lead to age-related deterioration in immune function.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: Expression patterns may alter in diseases such as Alzheimer's, as impaired proteasomal function is often noted in these cases.
- **Cancer**: Some studies indicate that PSMB8-AS1 may have a role in cancer-related pathways, potentially linking it to age as a risk factor for developing cancer.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, specific drugs directly targeting PSMB8-AS1 have not been documented. However, as it is associated with proteasomal function, it may interact with drug classes aimed at modulating the proteasome, such as:
- **Proteasome Inhibitors** (e.g., Bortezomib): Used primarily in cancer therapy, they might indirectly affect the regulatory role of PSMB8-AS1 due to its proximity to the proteasome components.
- Investigational or potential therapeutics enhancing proteasome activity: Drug responses may reflect lncRNA expression impact.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PSMB8-AS1 has been implicated in several biological processes and pathways, including:
- **Proteasome Pathway**: As an antisense transcript, it may modulate the expression of the proteasome subunits involved in protein degradation and turnover.
- **Immune Response**: Potential involvement in the regulation of immune-related processes given its link to the proteasome and associations with cytokine signaling.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: It might play a role in cell cycle checkpoints through its influence on proteasomal degradation of cell cycle regulators.
- **Stress Response**: May be involved in the cellular response to various stresses, including oxidative stress, by regulating the turnover of stress-related proteins.

In summary, while PSMB8-AS1 is primarily recognized for its association with the proteasome and regulatory functions, ongoing research continues to unveil its potential roles in age-related contexts, immune function, and its utility in therapeutic interventions.