### Overview of SNORD115-18

**Gene Symbol**: SNORD115-18  
**Gene Type**: Non-coding RNA (snoRNA)  
**Location**: The SNORD115-18 gene is part of the SNORD115 cluster, located in a critical region on chromosome 15, which is associated with the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS).

### 1. Associated Genes

SNORD115-18 is associated with several other genes, particularly those involved in the genomic imprinting mechanism on chromosome 15. Some of the key associated genes include:

- **SNORD115** (snoRNA cluster): The entire SNORD115 cluster is implicated in the regulation and processing of pre-mRNA.
- **UBE3A**: Involved in Angelman syndrome, UBE3A is another crucial gene on the same chromosome, displaying parental imprinting and affecting neural functions.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Currently, there is limited direct evidence connecting SNORD115-18 with specific aging processes or age-related diseases. However, since the gene is located in a region associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, potential indirect associations may exist. Gene expression changes in non-coding RNAs can influence neurological health and may relate to age-related cognitive decline or neurodegenerative diseases, but more specific studies would be needed to establish direct associations.

### 3. Drug Interactions

As of now, there are no direct drug interactions explicitly attributed to the SNORD115-18 gene or its encoded snoRNA products. However, understanding in the area of RNA-based therapeutics is evolving, and indirect modulation of nucleolar functions by various pharmacological agents might indirectly impact the pathways involving SNORD115-18.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes 

SNORD115-18 is primarily involved in the following pathways and biological processes:

- **rRNA Modification**: SNORD115 members, including SNORD115-18, play a critical role in the biogenesis of ribosomes through the modification of ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
- **Pre-mRNA Splicing**: These snoRNAs are known to guide the chemical modifications of specific adenine residues in rRNA, which is crucial for proper ribosome function and thus protein synthesis.
- **Regulation of Gene Expression**: The gene has implications in gene expression regulation, particularly through its role in snoRNA-mediated modifications of splicing-related components.

### Conclusion

SNORD115-18 is a small nucleolar RNA involved in important rRNA modification processes and is linked to specific genomic regions associated with developmental disorders. While direct associations with age-related diseases are currently unclear, the role of snoRNAs in cellular functions can impact broader biological processes, including those relevant to aging. Further research into the functional pathways associated with this gene may unravel additional connections to health and disease.