### GPR143 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** GPR143  
**Location:** Located on the X chromosome (Xq26.3)  
**Function:** The GPR143 gene encodes a G protein-coupled receptor that is primarily expressed in melanocytes, where it plays a critical role in melanosome biogenesis, organization, and transport. It binds ligands such as L-DOPA and dopamine, leading to intracellular signaling through G(q) proteins, which mediates calcium influx and involvement in neuronal functions like neurotrophic factor secretion.

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### 1. Associated Genes
While the NCBI and UniProt summaries do not specify additional associated genes, GPR143 could have interactions with other genes involved in pigmentation and neurobiology, including:
- **TYR (Tyrosinase):** Involved in melanin synthesis, mutations here can also cause albinism.
- **SNRNP200:** Rarely implicated in some forms of albinism as part of broader pathways influencing pigmentary traits.
- **MITF (Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor):** Critical for melanocyte development and function.

It is worth conducting further literature reviews or using databases like STRING or BioGRID for gene interaction networks to identify potential associations.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
While specific studies directly linking GPR143 to aging are limited, there are indirect associations:
- **Ocular Aging:** Mutations in GPR143 lead to ocular albinism, which may exacerbate age-related visual impairments, particularly due to insufficient melanin production influencing age-related eye conditions.
- **Neurodegeneration:** Dopamine dysregulation is implicated in various age-related neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's Disease). Since GPR143 interacts with dopamine signaling, variations could potentially relate to age-related pathologies involving neuronal loss or dysfunction.

### 3. Drug Interactions
- **Dopamine Agonists:** Because GPR143 is a receptor for dopamine, drugs treating conditions like Parkinson's Disease could interact with this receptor indirectly, affecting signaling pathways.
- **Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibitors:** Since L-DOPA is a receptor ligand, drugs modifying its availability could also impact GPR143 signaling.
- **SERPINF1 Modulators:** Given GPR143's role in increasing SERPINF1 secretion, any agents targeting this neurotrophic factor may have downstream effects involving GPR143 signaling.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
GPR143 is involved in several critical biological processes, including:
- **Melanocyte Development:** Essential for the differentiation and functioning of melanin-producing cells.
- **Calcium Ion Signaling:** Mediates intracellular calcium influx essential for various cellular processes.
- **Neuronal Development and Function:** Involved in signaling pathways that regulate neuronal growth factor release and neuroprotection.
- **Melanosome Organization and Transport:** Critical for the proper formation and trafficking of melanosomes within pigment cells.

**Signaling Pathways:** GPR143 participates in several key signaling cascades. One significant pathway is the phosphoinositide signaling pathway, which influences calcium signaling and cell membrane dynamics in melanocytes.

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This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of GPR143, highlighting aspects and connections potentially relevant to further research or clinical considerations.