### Gene Overview:
**Gene Symbol**: SNORD116-3
- **Function**: SNORD116-3 is a member of the C/D box small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) family, which primarily function in guiding the modification of other RNAs, especially ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) through methylation and pseudouridylation processes.

### Gene Associations:
1. **Associated Genes**:
   - SNORD116-3 is part of the SNORD116 gene cluster located on chromosome 15, which includes other snoRNAs like SNORD116-1 to SNORD116-12. Its close proximity to the **UBE3A** gene is significant, as UBE3A is critical for neural function and is associated with Angelman syndrome when expressed (or not) in the context of genomic imprinting.
   - While no additional genes specifically linked to SNORD116-3 are mentioned in the summaries, snoRNAs often exhibit functional interaction with ribosomal protein (RP) genes and other components of the nucleolus, such as **NPM1**.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases:
- Research surrounding SNORD116-3 suggests a potential role in neurodevelopmental processes. As neurodegeneration and cognitive decline are hallmarks of aging, there is interest in understanding how disruptions in snoRNA function, including SNORD116-3, might contribute to age-related diseases and cognitive disorders.
- Studies indicate that alterations in the expression of snoRNAs, including those from the SNORD116 cluster, may play a role in pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, although specific mechanisms and direct associations with aging are still under investigation.

### Drug Interactions:
- As a snoRNA, SNORD116-3 does not directly interact with drugs in the same way that protein-coding genes might. However, alterations in its expression could influence the effectiveness of drugs targeting RNA processes or cellular functions involved in mitochondrial or neurological health. Research specifically identifying drug interactions is limited, but drugs affecting neural pathways may indirectly impact SNORD116-3 activity.

### Biological Pathways and Processes:
- **Pathways**:
   - SNORD116-3 is primarily involved in the RNA modification pathways, especially in ribosome biogenesis.
   - It plays a role in the regulation of the methylation of rRNA, facilitating proper ribosomal function and protein synthesis.

- **Biological Processes**:
   - **Ribosome Biogenesis**: SNORD116-3 aids in the maturation of rRNA for ribosome assembly.
   - **Small RNA Metabolism**: Contributes to the processing and modification of small non-coding RNAs.
   - **Regulation of Gene Expression**: By modifying rRNA, SNORD116-3 indirectly influences translational control crucial for cellular processes.

In summary, SNORD116-3 is a key member of the snoRNA family that contributes to fundamental cellular processes, particularly in ribosome biogenesis. Its associations with other genes, potential implications in aging, and involvement in cellular pathways highlight its importance in biological research, particularly in neurodevelopment and age-associated disorders.