### FSHB Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: FSHB  
**Description**: The FSHB gene encodes the beta subunit of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is essential for reproductive functions. Together with the alpha subunit, it forms the active hormone that facilitates gametogenesis, specifically egg production in females and sperm production in males.

### 1. Associated Genes
FSHB interacts with several genes and proteins, including:

- **CGA**: The alpha subunit of glycoprotein hormones, which partners with the FSHB beta subunit to form FSH.
- **FSHR**: Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, which mediates the effects of FSH by initiating signaling cascades in target cells.
- **LHB**: Luteinizing hormone beta subunit; together with CGA, this gene contributes to the function of luteinizing hormone, which works in concert with FSH.
- **GNRHR**: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, which is involved in the regulation of FSH and LH production.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
FSHB has been implicated in various age-related reproductive changes, including:

- **Menopause**: As women age, diminished FSH levels are commonly observed, influencing ovarian function and leading to menopause. High FSH levels can be a diagnostic marker for menopause and decreased ovarian reserve.
- **Hypogonadism**: In men, age-related declines in reproductive hormones can affect FSH levels and correlate with disorders like late-onset hypogonadism.
- **Infertility**: Variations in FSHB may affect fertility in both sexes, with age-related changes contributing to decreased reproductive capacity.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Drugs that may interact with the FSHB gene product (follitropin) primarily involve fertility treatments. Notable examples include:

- **Follitropin Alpha (Gonal-f)**: A recombinant form of FSH used in fertility treatments.
- **Follitropin Beta (Follistim)**: Another form of recombinant FSH for stimulating ovarian function.
  
Drug classes include:

- **Gonadotropin drugs**: These are used in various assisted reproductive techniques (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
FSHB is involved in several critical biological processes and pathways, such as:

- **Glycoprotein hormone signaling pathway**: As part of hormone regulation crucial for reproductive health.
- **Follicle development**: Crucial for ovarian follicle maturation and function.
- **Spermatogenesis**: Important for the maturation and production of sperm in males.
- **Regulation of gonadotropin secretion**: Playing a pivotal role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, influencing hormone release and reproductive function.

Overall, the FSHB gene plays a significant role in reproductive biology, with implications in age-related changes and potential therapeutic targets in fertility treatments.