### AKT3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** AKT3

**Function:** The AKT3 gene encodes a protein that is a part of the AKT family of serine/threonine protein kinases, which are central to a variety of cellular signaling pathways. AKT3 primarily influences cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism in response to growth factors and insulin. Due to its role in these pathways, AKT3 is crucial for numerous biological processes including brain development and the viability of certain cancer cells, particularly malignant gliomas.

### Additional Information

1. **Associated Genes:**
   - **PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase):** AKT3 is activated downstream of PI3K signaling.
   - **mTOR (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin):** AKT3 is involved in the mTOR signaling pathway which regulates cell growth and metabolism.
   - **BAD (Bcl-2-associated death promoter):** A substrate that can be phosphorylated by AKT3, influencing apoptosis.
   - **IL13 (Interleukin 13):** Involved in the pathway for the up-regulation and down-regulation of MMP13 as mentioned.

2. **Aging and Age-Related Diseases:**
   - **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** AKT3 has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease due to its role in neuronal survival and stress response.
   - **Cognitive Decline:** There is potential involvement of AKT3 in cognitive decline related to aging as it is critical for brain development and function.
   - **Cancer:** Alterations in AKT3 expression or activity have been associated with several cancers, particularly those that become more prevalent with age, such as gliomas and other brain cancers.

3. **Drug Interactions:**
   - **PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors:** These drugs target the signaling pathway in which AKT3 plays a crucial role and include:
     - **Rapamycin (Sirolimus):** An mTOR inhibitor that affects AKT signaling.
     - **LY294002 & Wortmannin:** PI3K inhibitors that affect AKT activation.
   - **Chemotherapy agents:** Some chemotherapeutics may indirectly influence AKT3 signaling pathways, particularly in the context of targeting cancer cells.

4. **Pathways and Biological Processes:**
   - **PI3K/Akt signaling pathway:** Critical for many cellular responses to growth factors.
   - **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Mediating progression and survival signals to promote cell cycle transition.
   - **Apoptosis and Survival:** Modulates cell survival signals and affects apoptotic pathways via phosphorylation of pro-apoptotic factors like BAD.
   - **Glycogen Synthesis and Glucose Uptake:** Acts in insulin signaling pathways which regulate metabolism.
   - **Neuronal Development:** Involved in the differentiation and survival of neurons during brain development.

### Conclusion

The AKT3 gene is integral to a variety of cellular processes, particularly in the context of survival, growth, and metabolism, with distinctive roles in brain development and cancer biology. Its implications in aging and neurodegenerative diseases highlight its importance beyond tumorigenesis and glucose metabolism, indicating potential targets for therapeutic interventions. The interplay of AKT3 with other signaling pathways and drugs makes it a focus for further research, particularly in aging populations and age-related conditions.