### CDH11 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CDH11  
**Gene Name:** Cadherin 11  
**Location:** Chromosome 16 (16q22.1)  

The CDH11 gene encodes a type II classical cadherin, serving key functions in cell adhesion and signaling processes. It is primarily expressed in osteoblasts and plays a significant role in bone development and maintenance through its calcium-dependent adhesive properties.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the NCBI and UniProt summaries primarily emphasize the function of CDH11, it is associated with several other genes in the context of cell adhesion, bone development, and related signaling pathways. Some relevant genes include:

- **CDH2 (Cadherin 2)**: Often associated in cell adhesion studies, particularly in neural and epithelial tissues.
- **Beta-catenin (CTNNB1)**: A key downstream effector in Wnt signaling, it may interact with cadherins during cellular adhesion.
- **Osteocalcin (BGLAP)**: Involved in bone metabolism and indicating a relationship with bone-forming processes.
- **RUNX2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2)**: A transcription factor important for osteoblast differentiation.
- **COL1A1 (Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain)**: Related to the structural component of bone and extracellular matrix.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Recent research has suggested that alterations in cadherin expression patterns, including CDH11, may contribute to age-related fragility in bones, a common feature of osteoporosis. CDH11’s involvement in osteoblast functionality and maintenance implies that it might play a role in the age-related decline in bone density. 

Moreover, aberrant expression of CDH11 has been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis, with potential connections to age-related cancer syndromes given the increased incidence of certain cancers in older populations.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Research indicates that various classes of drugs may influence cadherin expression or function, including:

- **Bone-modifying agents**: Drugs such as bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate) may indirectly affect CDH11 expression due to their role in modulating osteoblast function. 
- **Antineoplastic agents**: Some cancer treatments affecting the extracellular matrix could alter cadherin-mediated interactions.
- **Calcium channel blockers**: Since CDH11 is a calcium-dependent cadherin, calcium-regulating medications might have implications for its activity.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CDH11 is involved in several important biological processes and signaling pathways, including:

- **Cell Adhesion**: As a cadherin, it plays fundamental roles in cell-cell adhesion through homophilic interactions.
- **Osteoblast Differentiation**: CDH11 expression is upregulated during osteoblast differentiation, suggesting a crucial role in bone formation.
- **Signal Transduction**: It is involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell migration and differentiation.
- **Focal Adhesion Formation**: CDH11 has been shown to be essential in the assembly of focal adhesions, which are vital for cellular attachment to the extracellular matrix.

### Summary
CDH11 is a vital gene in the cadherin family, significantly influencing bone development and maintenance through its calcium-dependent adhesion mechanisms. Its interactions and associations with other genes suggest broader roles in signaling and pathology, particularly in relation to aging and diseases such as osteoporosis and cancer. Although drug interactions are not well characterized, related drug classes can influence its functional pathways. Understanding CDH11's role continues to be a focus in both basic and clinical research for bone-related conditions and beyond.