### CAPZB Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: CAPZB  
**Location**: Human chromosome 2 (2q34)  
**Gene Family**: Actin Capping Protein Family

**Function**: CAPZB encodes the beta subunit of the heterodimeric F-actin capping protein, which plays a crucial role in regulating actin dynamics by binding to the barbed ends of actin filaments. This binding prevents both the assembly and disassembly of actin subunits, thus stabilizing filament lengths. It is involved in several cellular processes, including cell morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and intracellular transport as part of the dynactin complex.

### Additional Information

#### 1. Associated Genes
While specific genes linked to CAPZB in functional associations are not universally cataloged, CAPZB has interactions and associations with the following:

- **CAPZA1**: The alpha subunit of the actin capping protein, which forms a heterodimer with CAPZB.
- **DCTN1**: Codes for the dynactin complex protein, which CAPZB is part of and interacts with for its function in cellular transport.
- **ACTB**: Beta-actin, a constituent of the cytoskeleton that interacts dynamically with capping proteins.

These associations reflect interactions within the cytoskeletal framework and the transport mechanisms of cellular motility and morphology.

#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific direct links between CAPZB and aging or age-related diseases are still under investigation, dysregulation in actin dynamics has been implicated in several age-related conditions, such as:

- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: Alterations in cytoskeletal dynamics lead to impacts on neuronal structure and function, potentially contributing to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
- **Muscle Degeneration**: Since CAPZB is involved in actin filament stabilization in muscle cells, altered expression or function may contribute to sarcopenia and muscle wasting in aging.
  
Research exploring the specific role of CAPZB in age-related diseases is ongoing, and further studies are needed to clarify these relationships.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there is no widely recognized direct pharmacological targeting of CAPZB. However, molecules that influence actin dynamics or capping protein functionality, such as:

- **Cytoskeletal Modulators**: Drugs such as cytochalasins (which inhibit actin polymerization) may indirectly affect the function of CAPZB by altering actin filament dynamics.
- **Chemotherapeutics**: Some anticancer drugs targeting the cytoskeleton might also interact indirectly via modulation of CAPZB-related pathways.

There is a need for more targeted research to determine specific drug classes that might interact in the context of CAPZB.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CAPZB is involved in several key biological pathways and processes:

- **Actin Cytoskeleton Regulation**: Central to maintaining the integrity and functionality of the actin cytoskeleton.
- **Cell Morphogenesis**: Influences cell shape and architecture through its role in actin stabilization.
- **Endocytosis and intracellular transport**: Works alongside proteins in the dynactin complex to facilitate organelle movement and endocytic processes, interacting with dynein motor proteins.
- **Cell Migration and Adhesion**: Plays a role in the dynamic regulation of adhesion structures, influencing cellular motility.

### Summary
The CAPZB gene is crucial in regulating actin filament dynamics through its function as the beta subunit of a capping protein. Its involvement in various cellular processes implicates it in wider biological phenomena, including muscle function and potentially neurodegenerative pathways, but the direct connection with specific diseases and drug targets warrants more detailed exploration.