### ALDOB Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: ALDOB  
**Official Name**: Aldolase B  
**EC Number**: 4.1.2.13  

**Function**: ALDOB encodes the enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, which is crucial in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. It catalyzes the reversible conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. In the fructose metabolism pathway, it acts on fructose 1-phosphate to convert it into triose phosphates.

**Isozymes**: There are three aldolase isozymes in vertebrates: A, B, and C, each expressed in different tissues and developmental contexts. Aldolase A is predominantly found in muscle tissue, while aldolase B is primarily expressed in the liver and aldolase C in the brain.

### 1. Associated Genes
Beyond the mention of isozymes A and C, ALDOB is associated with other metabolic and regulatory genes, including:
- **G6PD** (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase): This gene is involved in the pentose phosphate pathway.
- **TP53** (Tumor protein p53): Known for its role in tumor suppression and cellular responses to stress.
- **FDFT1**: Associated with cholesterol biosynthesis, which could intertwine with metabolic regulation.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
- **Aging**: The role of ALDOB in metabolic regulation suggests potential implications in aging, as metabolic dysregulation can affect cellular health and longevity.
- **Age-related Diseases**: Variations in fructose metabolism have been implicated in diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and certain forms of obesity, which are conditions associated with aging. The enzyme's involvement in oxidative stress regulation via its interaction with G6PD and TP53 could link it to age-related diseases such as cancer.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs targeting ALDOB directly may not be widely recognized, several classes of drugs affect metabolic pathways where ALDOB is involved:
- **Metformin**: Used in type 2 diabetes, it influences glucose metabolism and potentially affects the pathways involving ALDOB.
- **Fructose metabolism inhibitors**: Although specific drug interactions need to be assessed in clinical studies, dietary modulation of fructose intake, which ALDOB metabolizes, is of interest in metabolic disease management.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ALDOB is involved in several critical metabolic pathways and biological processes:
- **Glycolysis**: The primary pathway of glucose metabolism where ALDOB plays a significant role as an aldolase enzyme.
- **Gluconeogenesis**: The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates.
- **Fructolysis**: The breakdown of fructose, tied to dietary metabolism.
- **Cellular Respiration**: Provides energy by processing glucose and fructose.
- **Oxidative Stress Response**: Due to its role in cellular metabolism, ALDOB could influence mechanisms related to oxidative stress and tumor suppression through interactions with G6PD and TP53.

### Summary
Overall, the ALDOB gene is fundamental for fructose and glucose metabolism, with implications in both normal physiological processes and metabolic disorders. Its connections to age-related diseases, potential drug interactions focusing on metabolic regulation, and active participation in vital metabolic pathways underscore its importance in both health and disease.