### WNT8B Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** WNT8B  
**Location:** Chromosome 10q24  
**Protein Product:** WNT8B protein  
**Homology:** Shows 95%, 86%, and 71% amino acid identity to mouse, zebrafish, and Xenopus Wnt8B proteins, respectively. 

**Function:**  
WNT8B is a member of the Wnt gene family known for encoding secreted ligands that play significant roles in various developmental processes and oncogenesis. This gene encodes a protein that interacts with the Frizzled family of seven-transmembrane receptors, influencing pathways vital for cellular signaling, fate determination, and differentiation.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries provided don't list specific associated genes, other genes in the WNT signaling pathway that may interact or have functional relationships with WNT8B include:

- **FZD** (Frizzled Family Receptors)
- **LRP5/6** (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 5/6)
- **DKK** (Dickkopf Family Members)
- **AXIN** (Axis Inhibition Protein)
- **CTNNB1** (Catenin Beta 1)

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The role of WNT signaling in developmental processes extends to its involvement in aging and age-related conditions. While direct studies on WNT8B referencing aging are limited, Wnt signaling has been implicated in:

- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Given WNT8B’s expression in the developing brain, disruptions in Wnt signaling pathways can be linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, where aberrant neuronal development and signaling are observed.
- **Epilepsy:** The chromosomal location of WNT8B (10q24) suggests an association with epilepsy, particularly as it may influence neuronal networks, which is critical in epilepsy pathology.

### 3. Drug Interactions
There are no specific drug classes or drugs explicitly mentioned in literature directly interacting with WNT8B itself. However, compounds that aim to modulate Wnt pathways might indirectly affect WNT8B signaling, including:

- **Porcupine Inhibitors:** These compounds are designed to inhibit Wnt ligand palmitoylation and prevent Wnt signaling activation.
- **GSK-3 Inhibitors:** Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a central node in WNT signaling, and inhibitors can influence the pathway broadly, possibly impacting WNT8B-mediated effects.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
WNT8B is involved in several key biological pathways and processes, including but not limited to:

- **Wnt Signaling Pathway:** A well-studied pathway involved in cell-to-cell communication processes during embryonic development.
- **Regulation of Gene Expression:** WNT8B modulates the transcription of target genes through β-catenin-dependent mechanisms.
- **Forebrain Development:** Plays significant roles in the differentiation and development of specific forebrain structures, particularly the hippocampus.
- **Cellular Proliferation and Differentiation:** WNT8B signaling contributes to regulation in various contexts, affecting cell fate decisions during development.
- **Neuronal Development:** Implicated in processes influencing neuronal growth, synaptogenesis, and maintenance.

### Conclusion
WNT8B serves as a crucial component of the Wnt signaling pathway with vital roles in development, particularly within the central nervous system, and may have implications in neurodegenerative diseases and epilepsy. Future studies could further elucidate its potential in therapeutic contexts and age-related pathology.