### FBP2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** FBP2  
**Description:** The FBP2 gene encodes fructose-1,6-bisphosphate 2 (FBP2), an enzyme that plays a critical role in gluconeogenesis by catalyzing the reversible hydrolysis of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate. It functions in the presence of divalent cations and is thought to be involved in glycogen synthesis from carbohydrate precursors, such as lactate.

### Associated Genes

FBP2 is associated with several related genes involved in metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms. Some of these include:

1. **FBP1** - Another isoform involved in the same metabolic pathway but with differing regulatory dynamics.
2. **PKM (Pyruvate Kinase Muscle)** - Involved in the glycolysis pathway, reflecting the interconnectedness between glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
3. **GPI (Glucose-6-phosphate Isomerase)** - Plays a role in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, hinting at the metabolic cross-talk with FBP2.
4. **PCK1 (Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase 1)** - Another gluconeogenic enzyme that works alongside FBP2 in the conversion of precursors to glucose.

### Age-Related Associations

Research has suggested that enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, including FBP2, may play roles in aging and age-related metabolic diseases. Notably:

- **Metabolic Dysregulation**: Alterations in glucose regulation and gluconeogenesis are commonly observed in aging, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- **Cellular Senescence**: The aging process may be influenced by glucolytic and gluconeogenic pathways, where dysfunction in FBP2 activity could contribute to the metabolic derangements observed in age-related diseases.

### Drug Interactions

While specific drugs targeting FBP2 have not been prominently reported, the following drug classes may indirectly affect its activity through their influence on glucose metabolism:

1. **Biguanides** (e.g., Metformin) - Used for type 2 diabetes, which affects gluconeogenesis and may indirectly influence FBP2 activity.
2. **Sulfonylureas** - These also have effects on insulin regulation and could impact gluconeogenesis pathways.

### Pathways and Biological Processes

FBP2 is involved in several important metabolic pathways, including:

1. **Gluconeogenesis** - The primary biological process with which FBP2 is associated, regulating the conversion of substrates like lactate into glucose.
2. **Fructose and Mannose Metabolism** - As FBP2 directly acts on fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, it is implicated in pathways involving fructose metabolism.
3. **Glycolysis** - While primarily a gluconeogenic enzyme, some of its reactions can also be considered within a broader glycolytic context, especially in the regulation of intermediates.
4. **Regulation of Glycogen Metabolism** - It plays a role in the broader regulation of glucose homeostasis and glycogen synthesis.

### Conclusion

FBP2 serves a key role in gluconeogenesis and has implications for metabolic health and aging. Its interactions with various pathways and potential associations with metabolic disorders accentuate its importance in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Further research is necessary to elucidate its specific interactions with drugs and its contributions to age-related disease mechanisms.