### PEAK3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** PEAK3  
**Function:** The PEAK3 gene encodes a protein that is involved in various cellular processes, particularly those related to the actin cytoskeleton organization and regulation of cell shape. It is predicted to play a role in protein self-association and is recognized as a probable catalytically inactive kinase. PEAK3 interacts with CRK-II, an adapter protein, and negatively regulates CRK-II-mediated signaling pathways, thereby influencing the dynamics of membrane ruffling and the formation of lamellipodia.

### 1. Associated Genes
PEAK3 is known to interact with several other genes and proteins, including but not limited to:
- **CRK**: Specifically, CRK-II, which is crucial for signal transduction pathways related to cell adhesion and motility.
- **RAC**: Involvement of small GTPases like RAC in cytoskeletal dynamics could potentially link PEAK3 with signaling pathways related to actin polymerization and cellular motility.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific studies directly linking PEAK3 with aging or age-related diseases are limited, there are potential implications:
- **Cell Shape and Motility**: Since PEAK3 is involved in regulating cell shape and motility, its dysfunction could relate to age-related changes in tissue architecture and cellular senescence, which are important in aging.
- **Cancer**: PEAK3's interaction with CRK-II and its role in cytoskeletal organization suggest that it may have implications in cancer metastasis and progression, processes that are often influenced by age.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: Alterations in cytoskeletal dynamics are involved in neurodegenerative diseases, and while direct associations with PEAK3 are not well-documented, its function in actin organization suggests a possible link.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there is limited information regarding specific drugs or drug classes that directly target or interact with PEAK3. However, a broader category of compounds that modulate cytoskeletal dynamics, such as:
- **Actin-targeting drugs (e.g., cytochalasins and latrunculin)**: These drugs affect actin polymerization and may indirectly influence the pathways involving PEAK3.
Research exploring drug interactions should be conducted, as new information may arise.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PEAK3 is involved in several biological processes and signaling pathways:
- **Regulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton**: Plays a role in actin filament organization, which is crucial for cell shape and motility.
- **Focal Adhesion Dynamics**: It contributes to the formation and regulation of focal adhesions, which are important for cell attachment and signaling.
- **Signal Transduction**: By interacting with other signaling molecules like CRK-II, PEAK3 is involved in complex signaling networks that regulate various cellular functions, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
- **Cell Migration and Invasion**: Participation in pathways related to cell movement, relevant in both normal physiological processes (like wound healing) and pathological conditions (like cancer metastasis).

In summary, the PEAK3 gene plays a significant role in cell shape regulation and cytoskeletal organization, potentially impacting aging and various diseases. Its interactions suggest a complex involvement in signaling pathways that warrant further investigation.