### WDR11 Gene Overview

The **WDR11** gene is a member of the WD repeat protein family, characterized by the presence of multiple WD repeats, which are short protein motifs that facilitate the assembly of multi-protein complexes involved in various cellular functions. Located at chromosome 10q25-26, the gene is implicated in several essential biological processes, including ciliogenesis, signaling pathways, and gene regulation.

### Other Genes Associated with WDR11

While the NCBI and UniProt summaries mention involvement in the Hedgehog signaling pathway and regulation of GLI3, other genes that WDR11 may interact with or impact include:

1. **GLI1** and **GLI2** - Related transcription factors in the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
2. **SMO (Smoothened)** - A key mediator in the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
3. **EMX1** - A transcription factor that cooperates with WDR11 in Hh pathway activation.
4. **AP1G1** (AP-1 complex subunit gamma-1) - Part of the AP-1 complex involved in vesicle trafficking.
5. **TBC1D23** - Involved in membrane trafficking processes.

### Aging and Age-related Diseases

Although direct studies of WDR11 in aging and age-related diseases are limited, disruptions in the Hedgehog signaling pathway, in which WDR11 is a critical player, have been linked to various age-related conditions, such as:

- **Cancer**: Impairments in cell signaling pathways, including those regulated by WDR11, may contribute to age-related tumorigenesis.
- **Ciliary dysfunction**: Aging is often associated with decreased ciliary function, and WDR11's roles in ciliogenesis suggest that dysregulation may contribute to age-related pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases.
- **Metabolic disorders**: Given its role in cellular signaling and regulation of hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone, variants in WDR11 could be associated with metabolic dysregulation seen in aging.

### Known Drug Interactions

Currently, no specific drugs are publicly documented to interact directly with the WDR11 gene product. However, inhibitors or modulators of the Hedgehog signaling pathway are being explored in the context of tumors where WDR11 is implicated. These include:

- **GDC-0449 (Vismodegib)** - A drug that inhibits Smoothened in the Hedgehog pathway and is used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
- **Sonidegib** - Another Smoothened inhibitor under investigation for various cancers.

### Pathways and Biological Processes

WDR11 is involved in multiple critical biological pathways:

1. **Hedgehog Signaling Pathway**: Plays an essential role in the processing of GLI family transcription factors, which regulate various developmental processes and stem cell maintenance.
2. **Ciliogenesis**: WDR11 is required for the formation and function of primary cilia, cellular organelles crucial for signaling and maintaining cellular homeostasis.
3. **Vesicular Trafficking**: Its complex with TBC1D23 is involved in the Golgi-mediated tethering of vesicles, important for intracellular transport and protein sorting.
4. **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Contributes to cellular processes that ensure proper cell division and response to growth signals.

In summary, WDR11 is a multifaceted gene with significant implications in developmental biology, cancer research, and potential connections to aging and metabolic disorders. Further studies may elucidate more specific roles of WDR11 in health and disease.