### WASHC3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** WASHC3  
**Function:** WASHC3 (WASH complex subunit 3) is a component of the WASH (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homolog) complex, which is known to participate in actin filament polymerization. It plays a significant role in exocytosis and endosomal dynamics, functioning as a nucleation-promoting factor (NPF) that recruits and activates the Arp2/3 complex. This activity is critical for actin polymerization, which is necessary for the fission of tubules involved in endosome sorting and trafficking.

### Associated Genes

While the summaries provided do not specify additional genes, WASHC3 is functionally related to several other genes, particularly those involved in the endosomal and actin polymerization pathways, including:
- **ARP2/3 complex genes**: ARPC1A, ARPC2, ARPC3, ARPC4, ARPC5, ARP2, ARP3.
- **WASH complex members**: WASHC1, WASHC2, WASHC4.
- **Actin-regulating genes**: SCAR1 (also known as WAVE), WAS (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein), and other actin-associated proteins.

### Aging and Age-related Diseases

The direct association of WASHC3 with aging or specific age-related diseases is not extensively characterized. However, dysregulation of actin dynamics and endosomal trafficking has been implicated in several age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, while WASHC3 itself may not be directly linked to aging, its function in actin dynamics and vesicle trafficking could correlate with the pathophysiology of such diseases.

### Drug Interactions

No specific drugs or drug classes that interact directly with WASHC3 have been documented in the biomedical literature as of the latest update. However, since the protein is involved in cytoskeletal dynamics, general drugs that affect actin polymerization (e.g., cytochalasins and latrunculin) could indirectly influence processes mediated by WASHC3.

### Pathways and Biological Processes

WASHC3 is involved in several key biological processes and signaling pathways, including:
- **Endosomal trafficking**: It plays a role in the sorting and transport of cargo through the endosomal system.
- **Actin cytoskeleton organization**: As part of the WASH complex, it is crucial for reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, particularly in response to external signals.
- **Nucleation of actin filaments**: Its action as a nucleation-promoting factor contributes to de novo actin filament formation.
- **Regulation of exocytosis**: WASHC3's role in transporting proteins and other cargo via exocytosis supports various cellular functions, including secretion and membrane recycling.

### Summary

In summary, WASHC3 is a critical component of the WASH complex, instrumental in actin dynamics and endosomal trafficking, with potential implications for understanding aging and age-related diseases. It is connected with multiple other genes involved in similar biological processes, although more research may be required to fully elucidate its clinical significance and drug interactions.