### DHRS7 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: DHRS7  
**Location**: Chromosome 7p13

**Protein Summary**: The DHRS7 gene encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family, characterized by their ability to reduce a wide range of substrates, particularly those containing carbonyl groups. As an NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase, DHRS7 plays a vital role in the metabolism of steroids, retinoids, and xenobiotic compounds. Notably, it catalyzes the reduction of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone to 3alpha-androstanediol and converts all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol.

### 1. Associated Genes
While specific genes directly associated with DHRS7 may not be explicitly detailed in the summaries you've provided, potential associated genes based on its functional pathways include:

- **CYP17A1**: Involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, which may overlap with DHRS7’s metabolic pathways for steroids.
- **AR** (Androgen Receptor): Given DHRS7’s role in modulating testosterone metabolism, it may indirectly interact with pathways involving the androgen receptor.
- **RDH genes** (e.g., RDH5, RDH10): Other retinol dehydrogenases that are also involved in retinoid metabolism.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Currently, there is limited specific research directly linking DHRS7 to aging or age-related diseases. However, several points suggest possible associations:

- **Hormonal Regulation**: Since DHRS7 modulates active steroid levels, variations in its expression or activity might influence age-related hormonal changes, particularly in androgens which affect various physiological processes as individuals age.
- **Cancer**: As a gene potentially involved in tumor suppression, dysregulation of DHRS7 may be implicated in age-related cancers, although definitive links are yet to be established.

### 3. Drug Interactions
There is currently no extensive list of known drugs that directly target DHRS7. However, drugs that affect steroid synthesis and metabolism may indirectly interact with its activity. Some related substances could include:

- **Androgens**: Compounds that influence androgen levels could have downstream effects due to DHRS7’s role in androgen metabolism.
- **Retinoids**: Drugs that modulate retinoid metabolism might also be impacted by DHRS7 activity.

**Note**: Specific drug classes explicitly interacting with DHRS7 are not clearly established in the literature, necessitating further research.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
DHRS7 is implicated in several biological pathways:

- **Retinoid Metabolism**: Involved in the conversion of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol, essential in visual processes and cellular signaling.
- **Steroid Hormone Metabolism**: Catalyzes reactions leading to the inactivation of androgenic steroids, influencing androgen receptor signaling cascades.
- **Xenobiotic Metabolism**: Plays a role in the reduction and biotransformation of exogenous compounds, thus contributing to detoxification processes.
  
**Biological Processes Include**:
- Steroid biosynthesis and metabolism
- Retinoid metabolism
- Biotransformation of xenobiotics
- Possibly involved in apoptosis processes through its potential tumor suppressor role

### Summary
The DHRS7 gene is a critical enzyme in the metabolism of a variety of compounds including steroids and retinoids, with intriguing potential implications in cancer biology and hormone regulation. Further exploration into its connections with drugs, aging, and associated genes will enhance the understanding of its biological roles and therapeutic potential.